I didn't know how much time had passed, but slowly, I became aware of my breathing again. At first, it was faint. Then came the weight of my body.
The dull ache spread across my chest, my limbs, my back, as if every part of me had been pushed past its limit and only now decided to remind me of it. Sensation returned gradually, piece by piece, until I could finally feel the bed beneath me.
I opened my eyes. The room came into focus slowly.
My bedroom. And beside me was North.
She was sitting close, her posture slightly leaned forward, as if she had been watching me the entire time. The moment my eyes opened, her expression changed instantly.
"You're awake," she said quickly, reaching out and holding my hand.
I let out a low groan and shifted slightly, trying to sit up, but my body protested immediately.
"Looks like it," I replied, my voice still rough as I looked at her.
Up close, I could see it clearly now. The worry in her eyes. The tension she hadn't let go of.
