Chapter 116

Grace’s eyes slowly fluttered open as the warmth of Faith’s voice still echoed in her mind like the final notes of a lullaby. For a moment, she didn’t move. The weight of sleep clung to her limbs, heavy and unyielding. Her chest rose and fell with labored breaths as the dream clung to her consciousness, refusing to let go.

A single tear escaped the corner of her eye, tracing a narrow path down her cheek.

“Grace... I was...”

Her fingers curled lightly against the sheets. And then, as though the urgency in her heart overpowered her body’s fatigue, Grace sat up in a sharp motion.

The sudden movement startled Marco, who had been resting beside her bed with his head bowed low and one hand loosely gripping the edge of the mattress. He jolted upright with eyes wide in alarm.

“Grace!” Marco gasped, his hand reaching out instinctively as she bolted upright with her movements frantic and sharp. “You’re awake—careful, don’t—”

“Don’t touch me!” Grace snapped.