Chapter 126
Bella
I opened my eyes, but the light was too bright, stabbing into my skull like needles. I squeezed them shut again, the pain pulsing in my temples. I felt disoriented, like I was floating somewhere far away from my own body. Voices drifted around me, muffled and distant at first, then slowly becoming clearer.
“She’s awake,” someone said urgently. It was Maya. Her voice sounded tight, strained with worry. “Call the doctor! And Ace—hurry!”
I tried to move, but my body felt like it was made of lead. My head was pounding, and my throat was so dry it hurt to even think about speaking. But I needed something, anything, to soothe the burning in my throat. “Water…” The word barely came out, just a rough whisper.
“Water? Yes, I’ll help you,” Maya said quickly, her voice softenin
