Elio's eyes fluttered open slowly, his body still heavy with hunger.
The aroma of freshly prepared food was the first thing he perceived. His stomach growled with an intensity that surprised him, reminding him how long it had been since he'd eaten properly.
He blinked several times, adjusting to the room's light. His swift summon, perched on the bedside table, chirped softly in greeting.
"Finally awake, sleeping beauty!" Kriz's voice resonated in the room, followed by a thud and an indignant "Ow!"
"I told you not to shout," Zara whispered, glaring at Kriz before turning to Elio, her face showing both relief and concern at the same time. Her salamander, mirroring her worry, scampered onto the bed, nudging Elio's hand gently.
"How do you feel?" she asked.
Elio tried to sit up, feeling every muscle in his body protest. "Like I fought an army of Locus... and lost," he groaned. "How long was I unconscious?"
