Chapter 81 - Awake

Maddie kept her eyes closed as consciousness roused like a lazy cat in the back of her mind. Her body tensed, waiting for the onslaught of aches and pains, but they were dulled. In fact, everything was. A thick fog wrapped around her mind, making each thought sluggish as she tried to pull out of its grip. It was more than the sweet temptation of a deep sleep. Stronger, more forceful. It was probably some drug still in her system. It would wear off eventually. In the meantime, she stopped fighting its pull and allowed her body to sink into the relief of its waiting arms, while she kept her focus alive. It was a struggle, but it was easier than forcing her eyes open.

A smooth surface was beneath her body, cradling it while it rested, but she knew it wasn’t the comfort of her own bed. The pillow smelled unfamiliar, musty and unused. It was the only thing she could smell in the room despite trying to focus. Rather than catching any other wolf’s presence or any nearby food, the air was t