PAIGE’S POV The first thing I felt when I opened my eyes was pain; soft, dull, and heavy, like someone had poured lead into my veins. My head throbbed, and my body ached as though I had been hit by lightning. For a moment, I didn’t even know where I was. All I saw was the blur of a wooden ceiling, the faint orange glow of a fire, and a soft blanket pulled over me.Then the smell hit me— sage, burnt herbs, and smoke. Naomi’s cottage.I blinked several times, my lashes sticky with dried tears. My throat felt dry, and when I tried to sit up, a sharp pain shot through my chest. I groaned and fell back against the couch cushion.Naomi’s voice came from somewhere behind me. “Easy, Paige. Don’t move too fast.”Her tone was gentle, but there was a strain in it, a weariness that made my heart tighten.“What happened?” I managed to whisper.Naomi came into view, her dark curls tied back loosely, her face pale and tired. There was a smear of ash on her cheek, and the hem of her dress was torn.
Last Updated : 2026-01-31 Read more