The sound of beeping machines filled my ears. It was a sound I had started to become familiar with. Feeling started to come back into my body, and with it, pain. An ache settled into my bones, radiating with each heartbeat. I groaned softly, trying to shift, but a weight held me in place.
Something warm and heavy encased my hand. Strangely, it brought me a small measure of comfort, grounding me as the fog of unconsciousness began to lift. I forced my eyes to open, blinking against the harsh white light of the room. My vision gradually came into focus, and I saw him.
Brax’s head rested on the edge of my bed. His strong hand was wrapped around mine. I struggled to find my voice, but when I did, it was weak and hoarse.
"Brax?" I managed to whisper.
At the sound of my voice, his head snapp
