The world returned in slow, agonizing waves. The first thing I became aware of was the taste. Bitter, earthy, with a metallic tinge that clung to the back of my throat. Lyra's healing tonic. The second was the sensation of Ronan's hand, cool and firm, closing around mine. It was my anchor in the sea of ​​pain and weakness that threatened to sweep me away.

I tried to open my eyes, but my eyelids felt sealed with lead. Every muscle in my body screamed in protest, a deep, debilitating pain that we