Aria’s eyelids fluttered, a heavy, reluctant dance. Her vision swam, a murky canvas of muted colors and indistinct shapes. A dull throb pulsed behind her eyes, anchoring her to a swirling disorientation. She tried to push herself upright, a low whimper escaping as a searing pain erupted at the back of her skull. She sagged back, then inched upward again until her spine met the headboard, the support fragile but enough to hold her.
Her gaze drifted sideways. Zane slumped in a chair, his head tilted awkwardly, a dark lock of hair falling across his brow. His shirt was unbuttoned to his sternum. The rhythmic rise and fall of his chest was the only movement in the quiet room.
A sharp click and the door swung inward. Aria flinched, the sudden sound jarring her, just as Zane’s eyes snapped ope
