Chapter 16 : “Inebriating”

*Roanne’s POV*

The throb behind my eyelids was a relentless drum, pounding in sync with the pulse that hammered at my temples. I groaned, an involuntary sound that felt alien to me, as my mind fought to surface from the depths of a murky ocean. My tongue felt swollen, heavy against the dry roof of my mouth.

"Water..." The word scraped out, barely audible.

"Here." The voice cut through the fog, and I blinked open my eyes to see Aaron, his silhouette blurred against the stark light filtering through the blinds.

"Thanks," I rasped, accepting the glass with trembling hands. The liquid coolness was a lifeline as it slid down my parched throat.

"Slowly," he instructed, a note of command threading his tone—a subtle reminder of the power play always present.

I squinted at him, the action pulling at the tender skin around my eyes. He was seated, all casual authority, in a chair that had been dragged close to my bed. His presence was both commanding and incongruous; this room had never p