Raelynn's eyelids fluttered open slowly, the harsh brightness of the overhead lamp making her squint. The sterile white ceiling above her seemed unfamiliar, and the steady beep of machines filled the air. Her head felt heavy, and her body ached as if she had been sleeping for hours.
"Thank God you're awake."
The voice startled her. She turned her head to the side, her gaze landing on Axel sitting on the chair beside her bed. His brown hair was slightly disheveled, and his green eyes were clouded with worry. The sight of him made something inside her chest tighten.
"Axel..." her voice came out hoarse, barely above a whisper.
Axel's tense shoulders seemed to relax at the sound of her voice. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "How are you feeling? You scared the hell out of me."
Raelynn blinked a few times, trying to push away the fog in her head. "What... happened?"
