Raisel – POV
A firm hand landed on my shoulder. I flinched before slowly opening my eyes, my vision hazy, my body too weak to react. My breath hitched when I met familiar hazel eyes. Relief spread through my bones like warmth chasing away the cold.
Soren.
His name slipped from my cracked lips, barely a whisper. My throat burned, my chest ached. Tears—hot and uncontrollable—slipped down my face.
"I'm here, Raisins," he murmured, his voice thick with regret. "I'm sorry… I never should've left you alone."
I sobbed into his embrace, my body trembling. He said nothing more, just lifted me into his arms as if I weighed nothing. No questions. No hesitation. Just unwavering presence. I buried myself in his warmth, but a deep, bone-chilling cold still clung to me as he carried me out of that g
