Elara awoke to the sound of ocean, waves brushing gently against a distant shoreline.
For a moment, she remained still, her lashes fluttering, as sunlight warmed her face. The air smelled faintly of salt, and wild jasmine, carried by a soft breeze drifting through open balcony curtains. It felt peaceful… ordinary… untouched by the storms that had once torn existence apart.
Her chest rose slowly as she inhaled.
Alive.
The realization settled into her like a quiet ripple.
She sat upright in a wide, unfamiliar bed layered with pale linen sheets. The room around her was spacious, and elegant, decorated in warm ivory tones, and polished oak furniture. Large glass doors opened toward an endless view of glittering blue sea stretching toward the horizon.
Confusion crept into her mind.
This
