"Mama? Mama, wake up."
Arianna's voice. Distant. Worried.
I tried to open my eyes but couldn't. Couldn't move. Couldn't speak. Just trapped in darkness with too much power burning through me.
"Why won't she wake up?" That was Marcus. Older now. How long had I been unconscious?
"She will. She just needs time to recover." Kael's voice was strained. Exhausted. "Go play with Uncle Theron. Let Mama rest."
"But I want Mama now."
"I know, sweetheart. But Mama is very tired. She did something brave to save you and Arianna. Now she needs to sleep."
Small footsteps retreating. Then silence except for someone breathing nearby.
"I know you can hear me," Kael said quietly. "Elena says curse bearers stay aware even when unconscious. Their shade keeps them connected to the world around them. So I'm talking in case you're listening."
I tried to respond. Couldn't.
