Aylin stirred again, the warmth of the bed beginning to lose its hold over her as the ache in her body made itself known once more. She shifted her arm, only to wince sharply. She could barely breathe without causing sharp pains all over her torso, and Aylin wondered how she had managed to avoid feeling it until now.
'Curse you, Valen, for everything you have done to me. She thought as she struggled to stand, her hands shaking on the firm mattress.
"Careful," Aimee said gently from nearby.
Aylin turned her head and found the girl crouched beside the low table, pouring a warm, herbal-smelling tonic into a small ceramic cup. Sunlight had brightened the room, casting soft golden hues over the stone walls and thick carpets.
"How long was I asleep?" Aylin asked, her voice still hoarse from sleep, giving up on rising herself.
