Chapter 132

Arsen. Pain dragged me back to consciousness like a rusted hook through flesh. It was deep and dull at first, a throbbing ache that pulsed with every heartbeat. Then it sharpened, jagged and unbearable, setting my nerves on fire. My lungs burned. My ribs protested every shallow inhale. Something heavy sat on my chest, like a weight pressing down, crushing. I should be dead. I remembered the fight—the gunfire, the blood, the fucking cold. Then… nothing. Except for one thing. Her voice. Soft. Familiar. Cutting through the darkness when I needed it most. Sofia. I pried my eyes open, though it took more effort than I wanted to admit. The light was dim, shadows stretching across the high ceiling, but even in the haze, I saw her. Sitting at my side, her back rigid, her fingers still curled loosely around mine. I blinked, my vision swimming in and out of focus, and tried to speak. Nothing came out but a hoarse, broken sound. My throat was raw, like I had swallowed glass. She moved instantly,