The next morning, as soon as the sparrow's eyelids fluttered open, he was greeted by an unfamiliar sight. The roof above him wasn't the one he remembered, and the smell—clean herbs and damp cloth—didn't belong to his nest.
He shifted slightly, wincing as a sharp pain ran down his back. Ugh, why does lying straight feel like punishment? He turned to his side—and froze.
Right beside him sat Kaya, her expression unreadable, her hand wrapped tightly around his.
For a full heartbeat, his mind went blank. Then panic hit.
He covered his mouth with both hands to muffle the squeak that almost escaped. Damn it! What the hell is going on?!
His thoughts raced faster than his wings ever could. Did I die? Is this the afterlife?
He looked at her again. No, no, no… if she wanted to kill me, she'd be choking my neck, not my hand…
