The next morning, Annabelle woke up in a daze.
Her head was ringing, and her body felt heavy.
She took a few moments just to truly wake up rather than struggling between dream and reality.
When her vision finally cleared, she called out, "Dar…ling?"
"Ah, she is awake now," Annabelle heard—a voice… heavy but female.
She turned and saw a rushing woman moving away from her.
Annabelle frowned, trying to get up. But then, a hand held her shoulder.
She turned, cautious.
A familiar voice told her, "Just rest. He will be here soon."
Red, fiery hair. A pair of familiar eyes.
"Ruby…" she breathed, her body naturally lying back down. Her presence calmed her.
Ruby smiled warmly. "How does it feel?"
Annabelle sighed. "Heavy… drained… upset." She glanced around and asked, "Where… are we?"
Ruby felt strange and sad seeing her friend—the same girl whom she had never seen weak or harmed like this before.
