Vivian’s POV
I woke to sunlight coming through the small window, reflecting off the glass.
My back was on fire.
Not the sharp pain from yesterday. This was deeper. A throbbing that made even small movements send waves of agony down my spine.
I lay still for a long time, just breathing, trying to figure out what hurt worse—moving or staying still.
I realised both hurt the same.
Freya came in the morning with clean bandages and the same bitter potion. She didn’t say much. Just checked the wounds, made sure nothing was infected, and told me to try walking today.
“Walking?” I asked.
“Your body heals faster when you move,” she said. “Small movements. Just around the room.”
After she left, I slowly sat up. Very slowly. My hands gripped the edge of the bed and I pushed myself upright.
