Heather

My eyes fluttered open slowly, adjusting to the dim candlelight. I felt weak, my limbs heavy as if emerging from a deep slumber. But my mind retained only foggy recollections of the turmoil preceding this heavy darkness.

"Heather! Thank the spirits, you're awake at last." Lucas's relieved voice stirred me further towards wakefulness. I turned my head to see him sitting vigilantly at my bedside, fatigue and worry carved deep in his features. But relief shone through the exhaustion now.

"Lucas...what happened?" I rasped, throat dry. His strong hand gripped mine reassuringly.

"It was Mara. She poisoned you with a sleeping draught, but Keegan brings his sister administered the...