The world returned to Noah in fragments, with light first, then sound, then pain.
He groaned softly, his body feeling heavy. The scent of disinfectants filled his nose, and when he tried to move, pain lanced across his ribs and shoulder.
His vision finally cleared after a few seconds, revealing the familiar white tiles of the ceiling above and the faint rustle of curtains around his bed.
He was in the infirmary.
His entire torso was bound in layers of linen, and he could feel the effects of a healing potion running through his body. Someone had gone to great lengths to fix him up.
Then, like a flood breaking through a dam, the memories crashed into his mind.
The King's study.
The woman in the cloak.
Her voice in his mind.
"We're not finished with you yet."
Noah jolted upright. The sudden movement sent pain flaring through his ribs.
He gritted his teeth and pressed a hand to his chest, breathing hard.
