A Beast

Lyris felt like she was floating. The darkness that had consumed her was slowly dissipating. She heard faint murmurs. She tried to moan but her throat was so dry that it produced a short raspy sound. Someone called her name. “Lyris! Lyris!” Slowly, she peeled open her eyes but quickly shut them because of the harsh overhead light.

A warm hand encased her small ones and she loved the touch. It was