A Pulse in the Shadows

LUNA VESPERIA’S POV

Light stung. The ceiling above me blurred.

“Vesper?”

Mirella’s voice was the first thing I recognised, breaking apart with tears. Then her face swam into focus, pale and desperate, her hands clutching mine. “Thank the goddess—you’re awake.”

I tried to speak, but only a rasp came out. It felt like sand was stuck in my throat.

My chest ached.

Then, the sharper pain, lower in my