Ayesha slowly opened her eyes and pressed her fingers against her temple, the pain sharp as if her head had been split in two.
"Ayesha? How are you feeling?" Alaric's soothing voice reached her, and just the sound of it made her lips curve into a faint smile. She blinked up at him, his handsome face clouded with worry.
"You look worried," she murmured without thinking.
"Of course I am," he sighed, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "You suddenly collapsed, and only now you wake."
She shifted slightly, and he was quick to help her sit up, adjusting the pillows so her back rested comfortably against the headboard.
"How long was I out?" she asked, trying to steady her voice. But inside, her body felt strange—cold chills prickled over her skin, while at the same time, a heat like fire burned through her veins.
"It's already midnight, Ayesha," Alaric answered quietly. His hand lingered close to hers as he stood, ready to call for help. "I'll bring Rona to check on you."
