Betty's POV. 

I woke to sunlight streaming through unfamiliar windows, my body protesting every small movement. 

The ache settled deep in my muscles, but a heaviness that made me aware of parts of myself I'd never noticed before.

Damien was already awake, sitting by the window with that stillness he wore like armour. 

He turned when my breathing changed, and something in his expression softened at the edges.

"Ready?" he asked.

I wasn't. But I nodded anyway.

The days blurred together ...