Ember Frost’s POV

The sharp smell of antiseptic filled the air. It was familiar, unpleasant... but oddly easy to ignore.

My body felt heavy. Even opening my eyes seemed to take more effort than I could manage.

Something cool rested against my wrist. A tube. I could feel a faint, steady flow through it, though I couldn't tell what it was carrying.

A hospital.

That was the first thought that came to me as my mind slowly cleared.

The second was far less important.

What time is it?

I ...