SERAPHINA’S POV

My eyes fly open suddenly, and I'm breathing hard and fast, as if I hadn't been breathing just a few seconds ago. I sit up too quickly, immediately regretting the abrupt movement.

My body feels both heavy and light simultaneously.

Every joint, where bones meet tendons and ligaments, aches terribly, pulsing with pain. I'm left wondering how I managed to fall asleep so soundly, given the discomfort.

The sheer weight of exhaustion answers that question perfectly.

I groan, the ...