THE VICTORYMy eyes felt like they were glued shut. When I finally forced them open, the world was too bright. It was a sharp, stinging white that made my head throb. I groaned, trying to roll over, but a sharp pain in my ribs reminded me exactly where I was.

The mud had dried on my skin, stiff and itchy. I looked down. My hand was still locked in Demetrius’s. His grip was loose now, but his fingers were still curled around mine.

"Demetrius?" I whispered. My throat felt like I had swallowed a ...