Chapter 58

Althea groaned as she slowly regained consciousness, finding herself in an unfamiliar bed. "Always fainting," she muttered to herself, frustration evident in her voice. "I hate it."

Ariana entered the room, concern etched on her face. "How are you feeling?"

Althea, still groggy, replied, "I'm fine. Just okay. Just a bit drowsy." She attempted to sit up, rubbing her temples.

Ariana, ever the inquisitive one, couldn't resist asking, "What happened last night after you gave out the elm stone? I tried waking you up, but you were out like a light."

Althea furrowed her brow, struggling to recall the events. "I remember Carolina being angry with me for giving the elm stone to Darian, and then... I fainted. That's all I can remember."

Ariana raised an eyebrow. "Carolina? Wasn't she the ghostly lady? What's her deal?"