I opened my eyes to a pounding headache and the dull throb of pain across my face. My thoughts were fuzzy, memories slipping through my grasp like water. Where was I? The ceiling above me seemed familiar, yet I couldn't quite place it.
A movement to my right caught my attention. I turned my head, wincing at the sharp pain the motion caused, and found Julian sitting beside my bed. His amber eyes were fixed on me, his expression unreadable.
"You're awake," he said, his voice unnervingly soft.
I tried to sit up but fell back against the pillows, my body weak and uncooperative. Julian leaned forward, his large hand gently supporting my back as he helped me into a sitting position.
"What happened?" I whispered, my throat painfully dry.
Julian's eyes darkened as they traced the bruises on my face. "You had a fever. It broke a few hours ago."
