Aira woke up with a ragged breath, her eyes snapping open wide with a jolt of panic. Her frail chest heaved as she quickly sat up, trembling in terror.
"Cedric…" she whispered desperately, her voice breaking as her gaze shot toward him, frantic and fearful. "Cedric!"
Relief visibly washed over her face as she saw him still safe, still unconscious, his chest rising and falling softly.
A trembling breath escaped her lips, tension loosening momentarily in her weak shoulders. But it was short-lived. Her attention quickly shifted to the tight bindings around her wrists—mana-powered handcuffs restraining her.
Eyes narrowing dangerously, she slowly raised her venomous glare toward the two demons standing before her, rage flickering once again to life.
