Kael’s pov

Hours passed while I held her, her eyes opened slowly, unfocused and hazy at first, then sharpening as her memory returned and she remembered where she was. “Kael?” Her voice was rough from sleep.

“I’m here.” I kept my voice soft, not wanting to startle her.

She blinked a few times, then pushed herself up. “I should wash up,” she murmured, still sounding half-dazed.

I watched her slip into the bathroom, the sound of running water filling the quiet room. ...