IRIS

I blink. The world feels heavy, thick and blurry, like I am underwater and struggling to break through the surface. My limbs weigh down like lead, and every breath tastes like ash.

A rough hand brushes my hair back from my forehead. “Iris? You’re awake.”

Darian’s voice is low, trembling with relief. I turn my head slowly, fighting the dizziness, to see him sitting beside me, exhaustion shadowing his face.

“Iris…” he breathes. “Thank God.”

I try to smile, but my throat feels raw. “I’m… here.”

His hand linger against my cheek, warm and steady. “I was so scared, I thought that...”

I swallow, careful not to reveal the...