The aftermath of the battle weighed heavily on the cabin’s occupants. Every breath seemed louder in the oppressive quiet, each creak of the wooden floor a reminder of how fragile their sanctuary was. Alessa moved between the wounded, her hands steady but her expression grim. Blood-streaked bandages and the scent of antiseptic filled the small space as she worked tirelessly to patch up those who had fought.
Dominic’s gaze never wavered from Lila. She lay on the mattress, her body still but her chest rising and falling with labored breaths. The faint lines of pain etched on her face tore at him. He knelt by her side, his bloodied hands carefully brushing a strand of hair from her face. She stirred faintly, her lips parting as if to speak, but no sound came.
“Shh,” he murmured. “Rest. I’m h
