Andrew's return to consciousness was marked by a barrage of sensations—the harsh morning light piercing his eyes, the hushed murmurs of concerned voices, and the persistent ache in his limbs.
He blinked, trying to focus, and found Princess Isabella and Gideon leaning over him, their faces etched with relief.
"You're finally awake," Princess Isabella said, her voice trembling with emotion. "Thank the heavens."
Andrew struggled to sit up, his mind still foggy from the long night. "How long was I out?" he asked, his voice hoarse.
"About ten hours," Gideon replied from the side. "You were unconscious the entire night."
Princess Isabella handed Andrew a gourd filled with water, which he accepted gratefully. The cool liquid reinvigorated him, and the previous night's events began to replay in his mind. He remembered the demoness, Rufus in disguise, and the deadly encounter that almost sent him to the underworld.
