Domitilla POV

“Wake up, angel. Please… wake up.”

Gosto’s voice reached me first, threading through the haze like a lifeline. I fought toward it, breaking the surface of unconsciousness until his face beloved, worn with worry filled my vision. Relief bloomed across his features the moment my eyes fluttered open, his smile stealing the breath from my lungs.

I was in his lap. He cradled my head with trembling hands, gently stroking my hair, and I shuddered from the overwhelming wave of ...