Breathing
The first thing I noticed was the warmth—soft, enveloping, and comforting, like being wrapped in sunlight after a storm.
My body felt heavy, my limbs sore, but the ache was dulled by the soothing weight pressing gently against my side. My eyes fluttered open, greeted by the faint glow of early morning light filtering through the thick curtains of my room.
My room. I was home.
The events of the past day came rushing back in a chaotic blur: Nathaniel, the fight, the teleportation, Aeliana in my arms, so pale and fragile.
Panic bubbled up for a fleeting moment, but then I felt it—a delicate hand resting against my chest, fingers splayed as though seeking reassurance.
I turned my head slowly, careful not to disturb the figure curled up beside me. Aeliana. She was nestled close, her face relaxed in the soft peace of sleep.