A few days later...

Althea’s lashes fluttered slowly as her world appeared hazy, spinning, muffled, and distant at first. Her throat was dry and rough like sandpaper, while her chest felt heavy, as if something was pressing down on it. A groan slipped from her lips as her fingers twitched against the soft sheets.

“Althea!” The voice cut through like sunlight piercing fog. Melva only used her first name when she was deeply worried or furious.

She looked up to see Melva’s teary face ...