Sullivan's eyelids fluttered, and his fingers began to twitch. Slowly, he opened his eyes, the dim light of the room piercing through the haze. His throat felt parched, and he glanced around, slowly recognizing he was lying on a familiar bed—the one in his chamber at the residence.
He squeezed his eyes shut, then reopened them, adjusting to the light. As his vision cleared, he noticed Dahlia asleep beside him, her head resting on the mattress, her face softened in slumber.
A faint smile touched his lips. "She saved me," he murmured, propping himself up on one elbow. Pain shot through his arm, forcing a sharp hiss through his teeth.
The sound stirred Dahlia, and her eyes flew open. When she saw him awake, relief washed over her face. "You're awake!" she exclaimed, immediately urging him back onto the mattress. "Stay in bed. I'll call the physician."
Before she could leave, Sullivan gently took hold of her hand, his voice barely above a whisper. "Stay."
