"Esme! Look at me!"
Esme opened her eyes, chest heaving as she panted. "I... No...'' Her eyes were unfocused as she shook her head desperately.
Aleister grasped her elbows tightly, ''Look at me, princess,'' his tone softened as tried to not startle her as he called out her name again and again.
Esme's eyes slowly regained focus. She looked at him. "Al...?" Under the pale glow of moonlight, she could see the worry and panic gradually fade from his face as she called his name.
''You are awake,'' Aleister hugged her tightly, a relieved sigh escaping his mouth.
Esme raised her hands to hold him but as she did so, something trickled down her elbow. The wet sensation made her look at her hand and a look of sheer horror crossed her face at the sight of blood.