~Maverick~
Pain. It was the first thing I felt. A deep, dull ache that spread through my body like a slow-burning fire. My limbs were heavy, my head pounded, and every breath sent a sharp sting through my ribs.
Warmth. Soft, familiar warmth.
It was faint at first, barely breaking through the heaviness weighing me down. But then, something else—something stronger—pulled me back. A voice. Soft, trembling. Her.
My fingers twitched, brushing against something warm. A hand. Her hand.
I fought against the darkness, the pain anchoring me down. My body felt sluggish, my limbs leaden, but I forced my way through. Slowly, agonizingly slow, I pried my eyes open.
And there she was.
Jasmine.
“Jas…” My voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper, but the moment I spoke, her head s
