Alexei’s POV

I could feel her shaking on the bed beside me. I turned to look at her, and my heart leapt into my throat. She was bleeding.

She wasn't awake yet. I tried shaking her, but she didn’t budge.

My hands trembled as I tried to wipe the blood off her eyes and nose, but the more I wiped, the more it seeped out. Her face was deathly pale. After what felt like an eternity of fear, she suddenly jolted awake. Her eyes were wide and confused, and she began murmuring words I couldn't comprehend.

I pulled her close to calm her down, promising to take her anywhere she...