Alina’s POV

The world came back in pieces.

At first, there was only pain — sharp, burning, everywhere. My lungs clawed for air that wasn’t there, every breath a scream. My skin felt raw, my throat dry, and the smell — smoke, burnt wood, and blood — clung to me like a curse.

Then came the sound.

Beeping. Slow, rhythmic. Machines. Voices murmuring in the distance. I tried to open my eyes, but the light stabbed through my skull, too bright, too cruel.

For a moment, I thought I was ...