LAUREN'S POV

My eyes fluttered open slowly, the brightness above me instantly entering my vision. The harsh ceiling light felt like a thousand needles stabbing into my pupils, and I winced, instinctively raising my hand to shield my face from it. For a few seconds, the world around me spun in a dizzy blur, and when I tried to sit up, a sharp, pounding headache rushed in so suddenly that I nearly groaned. My hand flew to my temple, massaging the spot in a useless attempt to ease the throbbing pain.

“Take it easy,” Tessa’s voice drifted gently to me. I felt her hand against my shoulder as she carefully...