***Aldrik***
I woke to evening light filtering through the window, soft and golden, so different from the harsh gray of morning that it took me a moment to realize I'd slept the entire day.
The fever was gone.
I took stock carefully, the way you do after being sick, checking for lingering weakness or pain. My head was clear, my body felt functional if tired, and the grinding ache in my bones had faded to nothing more than the general soreness of someone who'd spent too long on a hard floor.
Cassius's healing had worked completely.
A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts.
"Come in," I said, my voice still rough but stronger than it had been this morning.
Petra entered with a tray, the smell of food following her, actual food, not just broth. Roasted chicken, bread, vegetables, the kind of meal meant to restore strength.
"You're awake," she said with obvious relief. "Good. The healer was very specific about making sure you eat properly."
