"How do you feel now?" Luke asked.
Roxanne remained sprawled across his chest, her breathing steady once more, her thoughts no longer clouded.
She couldn't remember ever feeling that close to passing out. Earlier, her consciousness had nearly slipped away several times.
Yet after Luke had given her a small vial of fluid, the exhaustion gradually faded. Her breathing eased, and strength slowly returned to her body.
"I would have let you sleep," Luke said apologetically. "But I'll be leaving soon, and with everyone else resting, I need you to stay alert."
Guilt lingered in his voice. He still felt bad for waking her after forcing her body to recover with the potion.
Roxanne shook her head.
"Don't feel bad about it. I understand your reasoning."
He was simply being cautious. If he was going to be away, someone had to remain awake and keep watch.
He had every reason to be wary, yet at the same time, she couldn't bear to see him forced into living like this.
