Chapter 59. Ambush

Valerie

“Mmm.”

I vaguely heard myself as reality slipped in. My eyelids felt like lead as I slowly opened them, taking in surroundings.

My brain felt foggy, like a thick haze had settled over my thoughts. Muted.

What was happening? Where was I?

I struggled to piece together my memories, but they seemed to be shrouded in a thick fog of lethargy.

“You're awake.”A voice called out to me, piercing through the haze. It was…so familiar…

And like a reflex, I forced myself to reality. Blinking frantically to clear my vision, I saw him.

Alistair.

He was sitting at my bedside, a small smile on his face that one could even call gentle.

My belly roiled in repulsion and suddenly, I didn't need to think. I didn't even know when I'd instinctively backed away until I was out of his reach.

His face fell, his hand touching thin air. Confusion sprung up in my foggy mind.

Why was my body reacting