Chapter Nine: Tension and hidden truths

*Vivienne*

It definitely had to be the incessant distant voices, and the gut wrenching pain that slowly drew me out of the darkness.

I groggily peeled my eyes open as a dull ache crept over my body like a stealthy assassin. My head throbbed, a steady pounding that coursed through the entire length of my body. Each pound felt like tiny explosions that sent shockwaves of pain through my skull.

I briefly closed my eyes against the harsh, bright light in the room that I was in. The light did nothing to lessen the throbbing pain in my head.

The voices continued while I lay there, immobile on the bed, silently biding my time.

Upon counting to ten in my head, I opened my eyes, already prepared for the light. I heaved a small sigh of relief when I realized the room was not as bright as I thought.

I blinked trying to adjust my eyesight and as my vision slowly cleared, I found myself taking in the sterile white walls and the minor blend of soft, muted colors. The faint scent of antiseptic a