Abigail stirred from unconsciousness, her mind shrouded in a fog of disorientation, a dull migraine throbbing at her temples like the echo of a distant war drum. As her eyelids fluttered open, she found herself staring into the wide, curious crimson eyes of a young boy, no older than five, his short, curly black hair framing a face of smooth, pale skin that seemed to glow faintly in the dim light. His gaze held an innocent wonder, as if she were a puzzle he was eager to unravel.
"You're awake!" the child exclaimed, his voice bright with unguarded delight, a sweet smile spreading across his features, radiating warmth that pierced the haze of Abigail's pain.
