Henry gripped the edge of the table tightly, his fingers digging into the wood as he forced himself to stand. The strain showed clearly in the tension of his arms, but he pushed through it, determined not to fall again.
Being a vampire had its advantages. His body healed far quicker than that of any human, though the pain still lingered, dull and persistent. Slowly, carefully, he shifted his weight onto his feet.
For a moment he remained still, testing his balance.
When he felt the strength hold, he released the table.
He was standing.
A faint smile appeared on his face, satisfaction warming his expression. It had taken effort, but his body was recovering faster than expected. He rolled his shoulders slightly, letting out a slow breath before attempting to move.
One step.
His leg trembled slightly, but it held. Another step.
The movement came easier this time. Then another.
