Chapter Seventy-Five

Marcella felt like she was drifting in a haze, her mind clouded by a thick fog that seemed to muffle all her senses. In the darkness, she thought she heard her name being called, a distant and faint echo. She tried to reach out, to call back, but her voice felt trapped within her throat. It was as if she was floating in an endless void, disconnected from the world around her.

Slowly, the fog began to lift, and she felt a gentle touch on her shoulder. The voice calling her name became more clearer and distinct, until finally, she could make out the words. It sounded awfully familiar…

"Marcella, wake up. It's me, Esmeralda."

Her eyes slowly fluttered open, and she squinted slightly at the sudden onslaught of light before staring up at an unfamiliar ceiling. Her vision was a bit blurry, and it took a moment for her surroundings to come into focus. And then, hanging over her head was the face of her dear friend looking at her with a worried expression.

"Esmeralda?" She croaked, her voice