Elsa’s POV
The first thing I felt when I woke was pain sharp and unrelenting, radiating across my body like fire beneath my skin. My back throbbed with every breath, and even the simple act of opening my eyes sent a wave of nausea rolling through me.
The room was dim, lit only by the glow of a single lamp. The smell of herbs and clean bandages filled the air. For a moment, I thought I was alone, until a familiar voice broke through the haze.
“Elsa… thank the Moon Goddess, you’re awake.”
A soft hand brushed hair from my face. I blinked and found myself staring into the tear-streaked face of Lila, my best friend. She looked as though she hadn’t slept in days. Her usually bright green eyes were swollen and red, her lips pressed tight as if holding back another sob.
“Lila…” My voice was h
