I blinked slowly as my consciousness stirred, the faint throbbing in my head pulling me back to reality. The air felt cool against my skin, and I became aware of something cold resting on my forehead—a bag of ice, the slight sting of its chill causing me to stir uncomfortably. I tried to lift my hand to push it away, but the movement sent a sharp ache rippling through my skull.
My eyes fluttered open, the blurry light around me gradually taking shape as the dim outlines of my room came into view. I inhaled deeply, wincing at the tightness in my chest as I shifted slightly. Instinctively, my hand moved to my forehead, gingerly rubbing the spot where the headache throbbed the hardest.
“Take it easy,” Lia’s voice was soft and gentle. I felt her hand on my shoulder, pressing me back down bef
