Celeste's eyes dart wildly behind her eyelids like startled birds as the warmth of sunlight kisses her skin. Yet, as she becomes more aware of her surroundings, she senses a presence, a soft murmur of voices dancing on the edge of her consciousness. With a quiet intensity, she strains to catch the whispers, her curiosity piquing by the unknown sounds.
Celeste cracks her eyes open, a wince slips past her lips as the harsh rays of sunlight pierce through the delicate skin of her face. She instinctively shields her eyes, the unexpected brightness intensifying her discomfort. The worried gazes of the palace maids that meet her the moment she opens her eyes only add to the sense of confusion she feels.
Even though her eyes are wide open now, it takes her a few seconds to comprehend what is happening. The sudden rush of information overwhelms her senses, causing a brief delay in processing the situation unfolding before her.
