Born of Darkness and Light

(Neva’s POV)

Sunlight cut through the thin cotton curtains, carrying the sharp, grounding scent of dried lavender and sage. I blinked against the morning glare, slowly recognizing the water-stained plaster of my bedroom ceiling. My limbs felt heavy, pinned beneath the familiar weight of my patchwork quilt.

Aunt Vespa sat on the edge of the mattress. She pressed a cool, damp cloth across my temple