Ayla

The scent of lavender and antiseptic clung to the infirmary air, mingling in a strange but oddly calming blend. I blinked slowly, letting the soft morning light seep through the sheer curtains and wash over me.

For once, the world didn’t feel like it was collapsing around me. For once, there was quiet.

Me on the other hand, I was just grateful to be alive.

I shifted a little in the bed, groaning when the tug in my side reminded me that healing didn’t mean instant recovery. Still, I ...