Emily woke to the sound of Alexander's labored breathing. At first, she thought it was just the aftermath of their intense evening, but as consciousness fully returned, she realized something was wrong.
Very wrong.
Alexander's skin was burning against hers, fever-hot and slick with sweat. His breathing was shallow and rapid, and when she touched his forehead, her hand came away wet.
"Alexander?" She sat up, fear slicing through her. "Alexander, wake up."
He stirred but didn't wake, his head turning restlessly on the pillow. In the dim light filtering through the curtains, Emily could see a flush spreading across his chest, his neck. His eyes were moving rapidly beneath closed lids, and he was murmuring something she couldn't make out.
