The Mark

Ayesha felt as if her head was splitting in two. Her entire body was sore, and an odd, uncomfortable feeling coursed through her veins. She moved, groaning softly, and gradually opened her eyes.

The first thing she noticed was Lyra, who was resting her head on the edge of the bed and was sound asleep.

"Lyra…" she whispered weakly.

Lyra was jolted awake by her voice. She blinked quickly, rubbed her eyes, and when she saw Ayesha, her lips trembled as she suddenly started crying.

"Aunt, you're finally awake!" she cried. "I'll go call the healer!"

Ayesha could barely lift her arm to stop her as Lyra rushed out of the room.

Slowly, she shifted, trying to sit up on the bed. Every muscle screamed, but she forced herself upright. Her gaze drifted to the window, and the sky beyond had begun to glow orange. The sun was already beginning to set.

The door opened. Rona, the royal healer, entered first, followed by Lyra and then Alaric.