"Elara, get up! It is already morning!" Liora's sharp voice cut through the quiet like a bell, followed by a rapid series of knocks that shook the wooden door. It was relentless, as if she feared Elara might slip back into sleep the moment she paused.
Elara stirred under the thin blanket, her lashes fluttering against her cheeks as the persistent knocking dragged her out of her warm cocoon of slumber. A soft groan escaped her lips as she rubbed her temple.
"I am awake!" she called back groggily, her voice rough from sleep but loud enough to reach Liora through the door.
With a resigned sigh, she pushed herself up from the narrow bed, her feet touching the cold stone floor that sent a shiver crawling up her legs. There was no time to linger today.
