Bell was struggling. Seeing Roman standing only inches away from her had sent her mind into a panic. She had been floating in the space between consciousness for what seemed like a very long time.
She opened her eyes and saw Ashleigh standing not far from her.
“Ashleigh?” she had called out, her voice sounding far away to her own ears.
Bell felt rather than saw Ashleigh come and hold her close. She felt her warmth and protection. Maybe now she would be able to break through the darkness that was surrounding her and find her way back into the light.
But it wasn’t easy. Her eyes fluttered open and closed, and her head lolled side to side, feeling heavy. The world around her was blurred and out of focus. It was difficult to find anything to hold onto.
Ashleigh whispered to her, telling her she would be ok.
There were other voices, a woman. Ashleigh sent her away. Bell only understood one word.
“Help.”
She felt tired, but the panic in her heart was settling.
