The world was still spinning when Elena woke again, her consciousness clawing its way back through the darkness. The dull pain still echoed through her skull, but her mind, at least, was starting to clear.
She still couldn't move her hands and legs.
She turned and looked at Isabella's across from her.
“Isabella,” Elena whispered, her voice raw.
A low groan answered her. Isabella shifted, her face still a mess of bruises, the swell in her face had gone down a little.
“Elena...?” she breathed, disoriented. “Is that... you?”
“You’re alive,” Elena exhaled, biting back tears. “Thank God, you’re alive.”
She wanted to reach her—wanted to embrace her, soothe her—but the ropes and distance made it impossible. Her body ached, but Isabella’s condition was worse. And it made Elena’s stomach t
