Chapter 127

~Maverick~ Pain. It was the first thing I felt. A deep, dull ache that spread through my body like a slow-burning fire. My limbs were heavy, my head pounded, and every breath sent a sharp sting through my ribs. Warmth. Soft, familiar warmth. It was faint at first, barely breaking through the heaviness weighing me down. But then, something else—something stronger—pulled me back. A voice. Soft, trembling. Her. My fingers twitched, brushing against something warm. A hand. Her hand. I fought against the darkness, the pain anchoring me down. My body felt sluggish, my limbs leaden, but I forced my way through. Slowly, agonizingly slow, I pried my eyes open. And there she was. Jasmine. “Jas…” My voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper, but the moment I spoke, her head snapped up. Her eyes—God, those beautiful eyes—widened, fresh tears spilling down her cheeks. “Mav.” It was a whisper, a breath, a plea. And then, before I could react, she launched herself at me, her arms wrapping around me in