Aurora's eyes fluttered open to a dimly lit room. Her body ached, and her mind felt foggy. She tried to sit up, but a firm hand gently pushed her back down.
"Easy," Elias whispered, his face lined with worry. "You've been out for three days."
"Three days?" Aurora's voice cracked. Her throat felt like sandpaper. "What happened?"
Elias handed her a glass of water, which she gulped down greedily. "The ritual drained you. Tina seems fine—stronger, even—but you..." His voice trailed off.
Before he could continue, the door burst open. Tina rushed in, her face lighting up.
"You're awake!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around Aurora. "I was so worried!"
Aurora winced at the pressure on her sore body but returned the hug. "I'm okay. But Markus—"
"Gone," Elias said grimly. "He disappeared after the battle. We've had search parties looking, but no sign of him."
Aurora remembered the triumphant smile on Markus's face before she collapsed. A chill ran down her spine.
