The warm golden glow of morning seeped through the curtains, casting gentle rays across Sophie’s room. Slowly, her eyelids fluttered open. The brightness stung her eyes, and she instinctively brought a hand up to shield them. Her head throbbed faintly, her limbs heavy as if weighed down by invisible chains.
“Sophie,” a soft, trembling voice called.
She turned her head slightly to see Alexiana sitting beside her bed. Her mother’s elegant features were drawn tight with worry, but relief and joy now shone in her tear-filled eyes.
“Oh, Sophie, my darling,” Alexiana whispered, clasping Sophie’s hand tightly, her voice breaking. “You’re awake. Thank the heavens.”
Sophie blinked at her mother, her lips parting to speak, but Alexiana was already on her feet, practically gliding across the room
