The world came back to Sophia in pieces.
A warmth over her body. The soft crackle of fire. The dull ache in her skull, ribs, and thighs.
Then came the sting—when she sat up too fast and pain shot through her side.
“Easy,” came a woman’s voice.
Sophia blinked at the rustic ceiling. Wooden beams stretched across it, warped by time. She shifted under a heavy wool blanket.
She wasn’t in the car. Not in Crestwood either.
“You’re safe,” the woman added, stepping into view. Silver-haired, with calm eyes and a kind but guarded face.
Sophia sat up slowly, clutching her ribs. “Where am I?”
“Halfway down the ridge road near Westmere. I found you unconscious off the main trail. Your car’s in a ditch, but I pulled you out.”
Sophia’s breath came fast. She looked around—no sign of her gear. Her
