SAGE

I was dimly aware of Adam before I even opened my eyes, before his arms came around me, before his voice reached me—raw, frantic, cutting through the ringing emptiness in my head as he shouted my name like it was a lifeline.

Strong arms tightened around me, hauling me up before my knees could even think of giving out. I felt him pull me against his chest, felt the way his grip tightened, even more, possessively, violently, as though daring anyone to come closer.

“Don’t touch her,” he snarled at someone. “Get back. All of you.”

I smiled faintly to myself, even as exhaustion dragged at my bones. He...