As consciousness slowly began to return, I felt a dull ache in my head and a prickling sensation in my arm. Harsh fluorescent lights blurred my vision as I tried to focus. I was lying on something soft, and the faint scent of antiseptic hung in the air. Panic set in as I realized that I was not in my own apartment. I saw a plastic tube snaking from my arm, which disappeared into a bag hanging on a metal pole next to the bed. It was an IV.
Suddenly, a face materialized above me, concern etched into every line. Alexander. His eyes, usually cool and assessing, were wide with worry. My breath hitched in my throat, the memory of the elevator rushing back in a vivid wave. The kiss. The darkness.
"Ava?" His voice was rough, laced with relief. "You're awake."
Shame burned through me. How much time had passed? Had I revealed anything in my unconscious state? My throat felt parched, my voice hoarse when I finally managed to speak.
"Where... where am I?"