Chapter 22

• The sun was preparing to go home when I woke. I realized I had slept through the day, and it was the best slumber I’ve had since locking myself in here. I felt better than I had before. My fever had gone down considerably, my eyes no longer hurt, the goosebumps were nowhere to be found on any part of my body, and the cold and my quivering had reduced drastically. The migraine had come down to a slight ache that was barely felt. My bones were happier than ever, and my joints were too. Though I was still lying on the bed, I was quite aware of my surroundings. I wasn’t ready to get up yet; I was feeling too lazy. I was almost healthy, and I could feel my ill system getting reinvigorated. And it was all because of Hailen. Where’s she? I turned to lift myself up from the bed when I saw her. She was sitting close to the wall, facing the bed, on the low stool — the only furniture in the room — watching me.
• "You’re awake, Hazel."
• She beamed wide and bright. Her eyes roamed the length of my body, observing and watching. She sounded like Mama Lia—caring and kind. It even made me wistful a bit; I missed Mama Lia, and I was absolutely grateful for Hailen; she was the best. She’d always been this nice to me, even during our time in the cell. I felt regret thump within my chest. I wish I had been more nice and welcoming to them then, but who could blame me? With everything I’d gone through, especially with Mama Lia’s advice and warnings always ringing in my mind, it gave room for nothing except wariness and aloofness. I was on enemy territory, and gullibly releasing myself to any smile offered or care shown was risky. I was still on enemy territory, and the Alpha still hated me, but at least I had Hailen with me. Her sincere care and gentle-hearted gestures were overwhelming and made all the difference to me.