Adalia wouldn't let me get up.
Surrounded by so much to gape and gawk at, I needed a proper look. As uncooperative as my body was, I managed to muster enough strength to do just that. Except I still couldn't.
I only felt the pressure of her hands the moment I resisted. Her grip was like hooks tethering me to her lap like I was some fixed flap of a tent spread out on the dirt.
At first, I thought she was just keeping me there to recoup. It was only after I met her gaze again, unyielding, and practically burrowing holes through mine, that I realized it was less a matter of keeping me, but needing me.
Needless to say, I lost my urge to leave her lap rather quickly after that.
"How long was I gone for?" I asked.
"A few… minutes…" she said, tilting her head a little in thought. "Three… minutes…?"
"Three minutes. That's not too long."
Adalia shook her head in response. "Long… enough…"
