I woke choking on air, like I’d been underwater too long. My limbs jerked against something firm, restraining as I tried to sit up—hands. Someone held me down, another gripped mine. Light seared into my eyes and I blinked hard, shadows flaring behind my lashes.
“Mira— ” Calian’s voice broke on my name. His face hovered above mine, pale and tight, worry etched into every line. His thumb brushed my cheek. “You’re okay. You’re safe. Just breathe.”
I sucked in a ragged breath, chest stuttering. My heart thundered, not from fear but from something deeper—something grief-shaped, memories surging through my head. My fingers tightened around his.
“You were out for almost an hour,” he murmured, voice low, grounding me. “We couldn’t get through.” His hand was still on my cheek, gentle and careful
