I opened my eyes again. A blurry form hovered over me. When the haze cleared away, I realized I was on the bed with Alex sitting beside me.

"Hey... you're awake, sleepyhead," she said softly, leaning herself over to study my face. Her eyes were full of gentleness and concern. She smoothed my hair and smiled. "How are you feeling, princess?"

I frowned, trying to notice my own feelings. I thought I was fine until a sharp pain stirred up from the crook of my neck again, and I remembered how I got it. I had just survived Nikol's bite, but the stinging feeling was still bothersome.

"I'm hurt," I...