Lyra's POV
Darkness had wrapped around me like a warm blanket, offering sweet relief from the chaos. The silence felt like a gift, free from the constant threat of another brutal encounter.
When consciousness crept back, harsh white light stabbed through my eyelids like daggers.
I recoiled instinctively, every muscle screaming in protest. My body felt like I'd been trampled by a herd of wild animals. Even the simple act of turning away from the offensive brightness sent waves of agony coursing through me. A pathetic groan escaped my lips instead of the scream building in my throat.
"Damn," I croaked.
My voice sounded like I'd been gargling gravel for hours. A soft laugh drifted from somewhere to my left, making me force my right eye open despite the pain.
