Knock.
Knock.
Knock.
Knock.
The sound grew louder in Rayah's ears.
She grunted, eyelids lifting slowly. The world came into focus—dust motes dancing above her like distant stars.
Still in bed. Still feeling dead. Once again, she couldn't move. Stuck in this disgusting village, nowhere, far from home.
How long will I be kept prisoner? Is Zephyr not here? Why won't that useless slave tell me anything? What's even happening anymore? Is this my fate? My eternal punishment?
Her teeth clenched, heart racing. But then she breathed deep.
I actually fell asleep last night. That's something, I guess. She sighed, coughing as she burrowed deeper into her sheets.
The door creaked. She didn't react—she knew exactly who it was.
Floorboards groaned under careful steps. Before Rayah could brace herself, a hot gray towel pressed against her forehead. Warmth spread through her sinuses as she sniffled.
"How are you feeling?"
Rayah didn't look at Anne. Didn't have the energy to respond.
