Chapter 108 New Home

• Lilly
• Pain drags me from the depths of unconsciousness, its sharp tendrils gripping every inch of my body. My ribs ache with each shallow breath, and a dull throb pulses behind my eyes. But beneath it all, there’s warmth—thick, heavy, unfamiliar. The softness of the mattress envelops me, the weight of a lavish duvet pressing gently against my battered frame. It’s so unlike the cold, hard surfaces I’ve grown accustomed to. For a fleeting moment, I think I’m dreaming.
• I try to sit up, a low groan escaping my lips as the effort sends fresh waves of pain coursing through me. Before I can go any further, a hand presses gently against my shoulder, halting me.