The first rays of dawn seeped through the parted curtains, casting a delicate glow on Rachael's face.
As she stirred from her deep slumber, she became aware of a dull ache pulsating through her head, throbbing with each beat of her heart. Confusion knitted her bow together as she tried to piece together the fragments of her memory from the previous night.
Beside her, standing tall and vigilant, was no other person but Malachi. His imposing figure loomed like a steadfast sentinel, offering an anchor of stability in the midst of her disorientation. Upon her wake, he leaned forward, concern etched into his furrowed brow.
"Milady, you have awakened," he said in a gentle, gravelly voice. "Do you remember anything from last night?"
Rachael winced again, her fingers pressing against her temples as if to ward off the throbbing ache. She strained her mind, desperately searching for the elusive fragments of memory that danced at the edge of her consciousness.
