Lyra's POV
The steady beeping of medical equipment pulled me from unconsciousness like a lifeline dragging me back to shore. Each rhythmic sound promised that whatever hell I'd endured was finally over. My lungs filled with a deep breath as awareness slowly returned to my battered body.
Immediately, I felt fingers interlaced with mine. The touch sent warmth spiraling from my fingertips straight to my core, spreading through every nerve ending until my entire being felt wrapped in safety. A wave of comfort washed over me, drowning out the lingering echoes of pain.
My head turned lazily toward the source of that anchor as my eyelids fluttered open. The world took a moment to come into focus, but when it did, relief flooded through me. Ash was there, his golden eyes fixed on my face with an intensity that made my pulse quicken. The smallest hint of a smile played at the corner of his mouth, and his strong hands cradled mine like I was something precious.
