Raven's POV
Pain came first. A hot, angry stab through my side that pulled me back to the world of the living. I opened my eyes to a dim room, the outline of medical equipment fuzzy around me. The smell hit next—antiseptic and blood, with undertones of old coffee.
Turning my head felt like moving through mud. Tiara was slumped in a chair beside me, head tilted at an uncomfortable angle, her shoulder wrapped in clean white bandages. Dark circles hung under her eyes. She looked peaceful, despite everything.
I tried to sit up. Bad idea. The pain flared like someone had stuck a hot poker into my side.
"f**k," I whispered, falling back against the pillow.
Tiara stirred, her eyes fluttering open. For a moment, she looked confused, then she saw me watching her. Relief washed over her face.
