chapter twenty-three

**Cassandra's POV**

I woke up with an overwhelming sense of exhaustion, as if my entire body was submerged in lead. As soon as I opened my eyes, I was hit by a throbbing headache, the light around me so intense that I had to blink several times before I could see clearly.

"Miss Baker... you finally woke up?" A soft, gentle voice sounded beside me. I turned slowly and saw Jennie, holding a basin in her hands, her face reflecting a mix of relief and concern.

I rubbed my eyes, trying to clear the blurred vision, and with tremendous effort, I slowly sat up in bed. Every movement caused sharp pain in my body, as if my muscles were rebelling against me.

"What... what happened?" I stammered, my voice hoarse and weak, barely recognizing the sound that came from my own mouth. The words came out with difficulty, almost as if they were stuck in my throat, and I felt a tight knot in my chest as I tried to recall the events that had led me here.

Jennie moved closer, placing the basin aside and sit