Chapter 145

TANIA

I slowly opened my eyes, only to be stabbed by a bright light that made me wince.

For a moment, I lay there, trying to let my senses adjust.

Taking a deep breath, I raised my head and attempted to sit up, but the effort sent the room into a dizzying swirl of colours and shapes.

My strength faltered, and I fell back against the pillow, my head sinking into its softness.

As I lay there, my hand instinctively moved to my cheek, where a dull ache pulsed beneath the surface.

I traced the tender skin, feeling the faint ridges where claws had raked across it.

The memory of that searing pain was still vivid, as was the look on Zarek's face—his eyes wild and uncontrolled, filled with a terror I had never seen before.

A shudder ran through me at the thought, and my heart began to race.

Despite the dizziness, I forced myself to sit up again, driven by my concern for Zarek.

I needed to see him.

I sat up, and slowly, the room gradually came into focus.

I took in the sterile white walls