The air was warm, laced with the lingering scent of scorched incense. Sunlight trickled in through the lattice windows, casting golden lines across the bed.
Aria slowly opened her eyes, her vision blurred as she murmured softly, "Where… am I? Is this… Heaven's Gate? Did I… die?"
Her voice trembled with uncertainty.
As her sight adjusted, she turned to her side—and found Nyssara seated beside her, watching over her with quiet relief.
"You're awake," Nyssara said gently, moving to support her as Aria struggled to sit up. She placed a pillow behind her. "Easy now."
Aria winced slightly, bringing her hands to her head—but paused, eyes widening at the sight of her bandaged palms. "My hands…"
Nyssara smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, it'll be alright. You're lucky. Your resistance to flames helped more than you know—if not, your hands might have turned to ash."
Aria gave a tired smile. "Yeah… the flames were intense."
