Dante’s POV
Pain. That was the first thing I registered. A deep, burning ache spreading through my torso. My head felt like it had been split open, my limbs heavy, as if lead had been poured into my veins.
I forced my eyes open, the dim light stabbing through my skull. The ceiling above me was unfamiliar. The scent of clean linen, antiseptic, and something distinctly not mine filled my senses. Where the hell was I?
A shadow moved beside me and Instinct took over.
Before I could think, my hand shot out, fingers locking around a delicate throat. The person gasped. My vision swam, but I didn’t loosen my grip. My body was running on reflex… on survival.
“Wh—” The voice choked out, barely a whisper.
I sat up with a ragged breath, my muscles screaming in protest, and my focus sharpened jus
