Raisel – POV

A firm hand landed on my shoulder. I flinched before slowly opening my eyes, my vision hazy, my body too weak to react. My breath hitched when I met familiar hazel eyes. Relief spread through my bones like warmth chasing away the cold.

Soren.

His name slipped from my cracked lips, barely a whisper. My throat burned, my chest ached. Tears—hot and uncontrollable—slipped down my face.

"I'm here, Raisins," he murmured, his voice thick with regret. "I'm sorry… I ...