22EmptyMy mind swims toward a spider web of red light. It bends and blurs, making me dizzy.
It’s okay. You’re waking up. It’s just daylight, my mind reassures my pounding heart.
Daylight. The word charges through every cell in my body, shaking me to attention. I thrash awake. Something strong holds me down. I dig my nails in and try to pry myself from the restraint.
“It’s alright, Tanzy.” The voice is familiar, the arms wrapped around me muscled and warm. Lucas.
I stop fighting and relax into his chest.
“Didn’t mean to startle you,” he chuckles. “Breathe.”
I draw his arms tighter across my body and hold them there.
The pool of water has receded. Maris’s light has vanished beneath the dark.
My eyes move to the growing hole over our heads. Gray light filters through thin cracks in th
