The world was a haze of golden light and shadows, a realm caught between waking and dreaming. Slowly, the weight of slumber lifted from Dasig's mind, like a veil being drawn back to reveal a stark, unfathomable reality. Ragged breaths escaped him as his lungs fought the lingering unconsciousness; his body ached as if forged anew in a crucible of suffering.
A sharp gasp escaped him as he bolted upright. His hands clenched the silken sheets beneath him, fingers twitching with the ghostly memory of the violent attack—the burning air, the roars of degrading words, and the sickening attitude of Sionan before everything faded into darkness. He turned to his side, his vision swimming until he recognized the familiar figure stirring beside him.
Leon.