Alia woke up to the soft sunlight slipping past the curtains, the golden rays touching her face like a warm whisper. Her eyes fluttered open, the dull ache in her leg reminding her of yesterday’s fall. For a second, she winced, moving it slightly under the blanket. But then she realized—the painkillers Rudra had given her had worked wonders. The pain wasn’t as sharp now, just a faint reminder.

With a soft smile, she sat up, rubbing her eyes. The clock on her nightstand showed 7:10 a.m. Her eyes widened immediately—Ayaan was supposed to come and help her get ready today.