Chapter 17

ALINA

I woke up slowly, my eyes fluttering open, my body feeling heavy and sluggish. I blinked a few times, trying to focus on my surroundings. The room was dimly lit, and I felt the weight of something pulling on my arms. I looked down and saw that I was hooked up to several IV drips, tubes snaking around me. I could even see a bag of blood hanging beside the bed. I felt weak, my head throbbing with a dull ache. A wave of nausea rolled over me, and I swallowed hard, trying to keep it down.

Everything felt wrong, my body too light, like I was floating outside of myself. I tried to sit up, but my arms felt like lead. I closed my eyes for a moment, willing myself to breathe, to focus, but all I felt was a hollow ache in my chest.

The door creaked open, and I heard footsteps. I turned my head slowly and saw Kai stepping into the room. My entire body tensed, my pulse quickening. He was carrying a bowl, and the rich, savory smell of chicken soup filled the air. My stomach growled loudly a