Chapter 36: KATRINA
David cracked open his eyes, a groan escaping his lips. His head felt like it had been pummeled by a particularly enthusiastic troll. A gentle touch on his hair drew him further awake. Luna, his new servant, sat beside him, her face etched with worry. Her long, silver hair cascaded down her shoulders, framing eyes that shimmered with concern. She'd clearly been using her thigh as a makeshift pillow while he was unconscious, the soft rise and fall of her chest the only sound that had disturbed the oppressive silence of his room. A flicker of warmth bloomed in his chest at the sight of her devotion, a pleasant distraction from the throbbing pain behind his eyes.David's gaze lingered on her a moment longer than necessary. He couldn't help but notice the way her cheeks flushed a rosy pink as she averted her eyes. Was that a hint of… fondness? Before he could dwell on it further, his voice rasped, "Luna, how long have I been out?"