Liam slowly opened his eyes, his vision blurry as the soft light of dawn filtered through the curtains. His body felt heavy, as though weighed down by an invisible force, but the dull ache that had plagued him the day before was beginning to fade. His mind felt clearer now, though fragments of the previous day's events lingered like a distant echo.
"Look who's finally back among the living," Mystica's voice broke through the silence, smooth and teasing. She sat casually by the window, legs crossed, a leather-bound book resting in her hands. The sunlight framed her figure, casting a warm glow on her hair. Her eyes locked onto his, glinting with her signature playful amusement.
Liam groaned, running a hand through his disheveled hair as he pushed himself upright. His muscles protested, but he ignored the discomfort. "How long... was I out?" His voice was hoarse, barely louder than a whisper.
