86 EIGHTY SIX: Deadly

"Nngh," Kel grunted sleepily as a gentle hand caressed her cheek.

The faint chirping of birds grew louder as her senses slowly woke up. 

Was she back in her bed? She couldn't remember leaving Soren's room or falling asleep. Had that girl, Alaia, escorted her back?

"You're awake?"

It was Soren's voice.

Kel's eyes flew open. What was that man doing in her room?

In contrast to Kel's panic, the man in question was seated calmly on the edge of the bed, watching her intently.

"What are you doing here?" she asked groggily, propping herself up on her elbows.

The man smiled and shook his head. "Where else would I be?"

Huh? What did that mean?

Yawning, Kel briefly scanned her surroundings, her eyes finally landing on the silver cage next to the bed. Two brightly-colored birds were perched next to each other, but something was off.

They weren't blue.

"This..!" Kel jolted up, taking a closer look at the room.