Vera’s eyelids fluttered open, the bright light piercing through the haze of her mind. Confusion swirled around her as she blinked, trying to grasp where she was. The warmth of the sun poured through the window, illuminating the room, but her thoughts were hazy, like a distant echo of a dream. The last thing she remembered was the chaos of the attack, the sharp sting of pain, and then… darkness.
“Zach?” she croaked, her throat dry. Panic surged as she realized she was alone.
A gentle hand touched her shoulder, and she turned to see Savannah, Zach’s cousin, seated beside her. The concern etched across Savannah’s face was evident. “You’re awake! Thank the stars,” she said, relief flooding her voice. “You scared us all.”
“What happened?” Vera asked, her voice trembling as fragments of the
