Emily slowly emerged from the darkness, her mind still numb, as if she were floating in a foggy dream. A soft yet insistent sensation on her cheek gradually pulled her toward consciousness. Something warm, moist... a hand. Her head felt heavy, each thought an effort. She blinked, trying to focus her blurry vision on the face leaning over her.

Alexander. His face was pale, but his icy blue eyes stared at her with an intensity she knew well. A glint of anger, mixed with something else. Worry? No, that couldn't be. Emily tried to speak, but her throat was dry, her lips unable to form words.