Sunlight rose from the horizon, its harsh rays already pressing against Tessa's skin. She stirred slightly, rolling over with a soft groan, chasing the last fragments of sleep. Just one more moment… she almost felt like she could reach heaven—
Crack.
Her eyes snapped open.
She was on top of a tree.
More specifically, she was lying across a dry, fragile branch that looked like it had survived far too many seasons. The wood groaned beneath her weight, a sharp splitting sound echoing through the still morning air.
And that was when she realized—
The branch was about to snap.
"Wait—!"
Before she could react, the wood gave way with a loud crack. Her body dipped sharply, gravity pulling her down. Panic surged through her veins as the ground rushed up to meet her.
But she never hit it.
A strong hand caught hers.
Zephyr.
