Seraphine's POV
I woke with a pounding headache, dry throat, and a chest that felt tight with every breath. Memories of the attack, the iron dust, and the moment my body failed surfaced.
Darius walked in. Black shirt, wrinkled trousers, damp, disheveled hair. He looked sleepless, his gaze a mix of anger, exhaustion, and fear.
“Finally awake,” he said quietly, sitting beside me. “I was about to tie you down to keep you from trying to get up half-dead.”
“Would’ve been better,” I groaned. “At least every movement wouldn’t hurt this much.”
“The healer says you’re alive. That’s already half a victory.”
“This isn’t funny, Sera,” he said softly. “Yesterday… you almost died.”
“But I didn’t,” I shot back, trying to sit up. Pain sliced through me. “See? Still here.”
“Barely.” He gently pushe
