Bitter Awakening

Several minutes passed slowly—each second felt like hours.

Then Lenora heard a sound—Declan's breathing changed. No longer regular and deep. Starting to become faster and shallower.

He was waking up.

Lenora maintained her position—not moving, not opening her eyes, trying to look like she was sleeping soundly.

She heard the sound of fabric rustling—a sign Declan was moving in bed. Then the sound of