Serena stirred awake and immediately started coughing.
Alaric's face swam into focus through the blur. He was smiling.
"Oh gods," she rasped. "What the hell. Again."
"It works too well," Alaric replied, entirely unapologetic.
Serena lurched upright, already moving. She barely made it to the bathing chamber before retching. The door slammed shut behind her and locked with a decisive click.
She threw it up violently, eyes watering, stomach heaving, every nerve in her body protesting the betrayal.
On the other side of the door, Alaric's voice drifted in, infuriatingly calm.
"Side effects include nausea, temporary rage toward the person who saved your life, and a full recovery. You're welcome."
She rinsed her mouth again, steadying herself, then pushed open the door.
Elara was standing in the infirmary room. "You look like shit."
Serena snorted weakly, shaking her head. "I feel like shit so that's fitting."
Elara grinned. "Let me help you."
