I found it hard to open my eyes. My throat felt dry, my lips cracked, and every breath stung a little. The doctor standing beside the bed kept talking, asking questions I couldn't fully process.
"My lady," he said gently, "if you could tell me when your flame first awakened… I might be able to understand what's happening between you and Lord Lucian."
I parted my lips, the words scraping their way out. "A week… I think it was a week ago…" My voice sounded weak even to my own ears. I wasn't sure if he heard me right, but I knew I spoke.
He leaned in slightly, adjusting his glasses. "A week ago? That's before the wedding."
I barely nodded and answered with blinking weakly. "It… it happened when I was cold," I murmured, my thoughts drifting back. "He… Lucian… maybe because he was near. Everything felt freezing, so I tried to warm myself. And then…" My voice trailed off.
