When I finally woke up, everything hurt. My head pounded, my body ached, and my chest felt like it was on fire. The world around me was quiet, only the soft hum of voices and the steady rhythm of rain outside.
I blinked slowly, trying to sit up, but a strong hand stopped me.
“Easy.” Asher said quietly. “You’re still healing.”
His voice was low and rough, like he hadn’t slept in days. I looked at him properly and saw the dark circles under his eyes, the stubble on his jaw, and the weariness in his gaze.
“How long was I out?” I whispered.
“Three days.” He said. “You scared everyone half to death.”
I let out a shaky breath. “The shadows?”
“Gone.” He said. “For now.”
The room around us was the medical wing of the packhouse. The air smelled faintly of herbs and disinfectant. I could hea
