Raelynn stirred under the covers, her body still weighed down by exhaustion. Her foot throbbed—a dull, persistent ache that refused to subside. She exhaled quietly, willing herself to ignore the pain. She didn't want to stay in bed forever.
Slowly, she pushed herself up, grimacing as she shifted her injured foot over the edge of the bed. The cool touch of the marble floor sent a shiver up her leg. Gritting her teeth, she reached for the bedpost and pulled herself up. Her body protested, but she wasn't about to give in so easily.
With careful, measured steps, she made her way toward the bathroom, limping slightly. Every movement sent a twinge of discomfort through her foot, but she refused to stop. She had barely crossed halfway when a sudden knock on the door startled her.
A deep voice followed. "Raelynn?"
