Maria.
I woke up slowly, stretching lazily across the bed as the faint light of morning filtered through the curtains. My limbs felt heavy, as though sleep hadn't truly rested me at all. I rolled onto my back and dragged a hand through my hair, only to feel the tangled mess it had become. A groan slipped past my lips. My hair was everywhere, wild, stubborn strands clinging to my face and neck.
I blinked up at the ceiling for a moment, trying to gather myself. My head felt foggy. My face, I was certain, looked as gloomy as I felt. There was no excitement in me, no spark, just a dull weight pressing down on my chest.
Turning my head to the side, I expected to see an empty bed.
Instead, I found Galen already dressed and standing near the mirror.
She looked put together. Alert. Ready.
"Morning, Galen," I greeted lazily, my voice thick with sleep as I yawned terribly, not even bothering to cover my mouth.
