Chapter 76

Lauren's POV

My eyes fluttered open slowly, the brightness above me instantly entering my vision. The harsh ceiling light felt like a thousand needles stabbing into my pupils, and I winced, instinctively raising my hand to shield my face from it. For a few seconds, the world around me spun in a dizzy blur, and when I tried to sit up, a sharp, pounding headache rushed in so suddenly that I nearly groaned. My hand flew to my temple, massaging the spot in a useless attempt to ease the throbbing pain.

“Take it easy,” Tessa’s voice drifted gently to me. I felt her hand against my shoulder as she carefully supported me into a sitting position. Her tone was calm, but I could hear the concern hidden beneath it, like she was trying not to panic.

It took me a moment to register exactly where I was. My gaze slid past her and toward the kitchen. My eyes caught on the empty space near the counter, the exact spot where I had collapsed. The image of falling repla