The first thing that returned to Olivia was not her vision, but the distant, low murmurs of muffled voices echoing in the room. The words were quiet, filtered through the fading fog of her consciousness, yet heavy with unyielding tension.
"How is her condition?"
"She is stable. There are no lasting injuries; she simply fainted due to the immense pressure radiating from the fire stone. Since you intervened at the exact right moment, Your Grace, everything is under control."
"And the child?"
"The child is completely safe. Untouched."
The final word pierced through her remaining lethargy like a shockwave. Olivia's eyes snapped open. With a sudden, frantic burst of adrenaline, she bolted upright in the bed, her breath catching violently in her throat.
Before she could even register her surroundings, strong, familiar arms caught her, gently but firmly guiding her back down against the pillows.
