Drip. Drip. Drip. Talia squeezes her eyes together as the sound of dripping water penetrates her quiet slumber. She drifts in and out of consciousness, but each time the drips rouse her again. Finally, she gives up and forces her heavy lids open. At first, all she can see is a dark ceiling made of shimmer stones. Her body feels heavy as she attempts to pull herself into a sitting position. The throbbing of her head and the sweeping pain that courses through her chase away the tiredness completely. She slumps back on the lumpy pillow again and rubs her temples in an attempt to ease the pain.
“You’re awake?” A voice says from a dark corner and Talia finds the strength to sit up despite the aches. She sweeps the room quickly until her eyes land on a sitting figure in the corner of the room.
