Alora's lips trembled, and her eyelids fluttered open. Magnus noticed these subtle movements instantly, his heart quickening with anticipation to look at Alora. He didn't wait to call out her name. His hand reached out to cup her face, his thumb gently caressing her cheek.
"Magnus," she whispered.
"Yes, love. I'm here. Open your eyes," he urged softly, leaning in closer, his breath warm against her skin.
Slowly, Alora's eyes opened, the brilliant blue of her gaze meeting his. She blinked, recalling how her vision had been blurred earlier in the forest. Now, everything was clear and sharp.
"Do your eyes hurt?" Magnus asked, concern etching his features.
"No," she replied, her voice stronger this time.
Magnus sighed in relief, the tension easing from his shoulders. He immediately turned to summon a servant, who appeared quickly at his call. "Fetch the physician at once," he instructed.
As the servant hurried off, Alora attempted to sit up.
