Lucien's lashes fluttered once as he drew in a deep breath; sharp pain shot through his side. A low growl escaped his throat before he could swallow it. His body felt foreign, heavy with the residue of unconsciousness.
Zephy turned from the window where he had been standing, shoulders tense against his cloak. He noticed Lucien's eyes were open. He crossed the room in quick strides.
"Lucien? Can you see me?"
Lucien blinked repeatedly. "Yes," he rasped. "I can…see you, Zephy." He swallowed, tasting bitter herbs down his throat.
"Thank the Moon Goddess." Zephy let out a sigh of relief.
"Where… where are we?" Lucien asked.
"FiraEmber."
Lucien closed his eyes, letting the name settle, the syllables echoing in his mind. Fira—Ember. Then his eyes snapped open, wider this time, awareness cutting through the haze.
"FiraEmber? The Fox kingdom?"
Zephy nodded, his expression guarded. "Yes. The Fox Kingdom."
