Chapter 89. Shadows in the Mist

Heather POV

I woke up in a rush, disoriented, my heart pounding. “Heather,” a deep, masculine voice—steady yet heavy with urgency—cut through the fog clouding my head.

“Heather, wake up, please.” The pleading tone forced my eyelids open, and Kayden’s face came into view, hovering above me. His sharp, handsome features were marred with worry, his brow furrowed, his stormy eyes swirling with unease.

“We need to leave. Now,” he said, his voice calm, but the tension in his jaw betrayed him. His whole body radiated restrained panic, and for a moment, I couldn’t help but think how damn attractive he looked, even like this.

“Handsome,” I murmured weakly.

Kayden blinked, caught off guard. “You’re a mess,” he muttered, shaking his head.

“Why would you say that?” I rasped, trying to sit up. A sharp, searing pain tore through my body, making me groan, but Kayden’s strong hands gently helped me upright.

“For one,” he smirked faintly, “c