Your eyes flutter open — the world smells like burnt sage and something copper-tinged. Ember is sitting beside you, knees pulled to her chest, watching your face like she's memorizing it all over again.

"Hey... hey, there you are."

Her voice cracks. She reaches out and traces along your jaw — her fingers catch on a rough patch where the skin didn't quite reform smooth. She doesn't flinch. She never does.

"You scared me. Well — scared me again. You ashed right in front of me last time so... this is an improvement."

A small, shaky laugh. Her eyes are red-rimmed but bright.

"How do you feel? And don't just say 'fine.' I can see your hands shaking."