Kapitel 154: Chapter 154 The morning after

Stacy woke up with a jolt, her head pounding like a drum being struck in an endless rhythm. A groan escaped her lips as she rolled onto her side, her gaze bleary and unfocused.

 The morning light streamed through her window, too bright, too unforgiving. She blinked a few times and rubbed her temples, trying to alleviate the throbbing headache. 

As her vision cleared, she noticed her surroundings, familiar, yet slightly disorienting in her groggy state. She was in her room. Her blankets were neatly in place, her pillows fluffed. Everything was calm and in order, as though nothing unusual had occurred. But something felt *off*. 

Her eyes drifted toward the small table by the bed, where a bowl of steaming hot soup sat waiting. The faint aroma of herbs and spices wafted through the air. She furrowed her brows, confused. *Who had left this here?* She sat up slowly, her movements sluggish, her hand instinctively reaching for the soup.