Verity's POV

The ceiling was white.

That was the first thing I noticed when I woke. Not the oppressive darkness that had filled the air and clouds recently. Just clean, plain white.

I blinked slowly, my eyelids heavy like someone had placed heavy stones on them. My body felt distant, like it belonged to someone else. Everything ached in that deep, bone tired way that came from pushing too far past your limits.

The second thing I noticed was the warmth around my hand.

I turned my head, the ...