Rocío's eyes lazily fluttered open, it was hard to keep awake with how heavy her eyelids were. She was able to register the embroidered pattern of her family crest above her, three stars surrounding a wolf. She now knew she was in her bed. Before she could process anything else, her eyes shut closed and her mind drifted into sleep.

The second time she awoke, she was able to keep her eyes open longer. Her face turned and she saw her brother seated next to her bed, arms crossed over his chest and head leaned back, his eyes were closed and she was quite certain he was asleep. She took a moment to look around herself, noticing that it was bright outside. Still, she felt exhausted, probably the sleep deprivation had finally gotten to her, but she didn’t want to sleep any longer. 

She groaned, gathering all her strength to sit up.

“My Lady!” The whispered voice of her maid startled her.

“L-Leticia?” Rocío’s voice was hoarse and sounded foreign even to herself. “Water,” she managed.

Leticia didn’t waste a single second hurrying to her mistress with a glass of cool water. Gently, she helped Rocío stay upright, leading the glass to her pale and chapped lips. “How are you feeling?” She spoke softly, as if her volume might cause the young woman to faint again.

Rocío sipped at the water, letting it run down her throat to soothe it. Maybe she should’ve asked for tea, but it didn’t matter now. 

“Rocío,”  Santiago gasped. “you’re awake!” He jumped from his chair and suppressed a yawn before wrapping her in a hug. “I was so worried.”

Rocío was pressed against her brother tightly, but she managed to press her hand against his chest and push him gently to give herself room to breathe. “I’m alright now, I promise,” she managed to mumble.

Santiago obliged and pulled away from the hug, but he still held on to his sister’s arms. “What happened?” He asked. “You were found unconscious in the hallway.”

Rocío’s grogginess slowly dissipated as she looked at her brother. She tried to remember what transpired, wincing at the pain in her temple. “I–I don’t quite recall. I wasn’t feeling well suddenly and I…I can’t remember the rest.”

“Elena and Sir Félix were quite worried, I didn’t expect him to go after you…” His eyes widened and he pressed his lips together tightly as if he’d said the wrong thing. “You don’t remember much?” He quickly asked.

Rocío’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. She remembered Marquis Félix’s eyes and a shudder ran down her spine. “He came after me?” Her neck began to burn where it had been slashed in her dreams–where he had slashed her. She cleared her throat as she instinctively rubbed her neck. 

“Well, he made me promise not to mention it…” Santiago’s gaze fell in shame.

“Why?” Her voice cracked when she raised it.

Santiago raised his eyebrow at her sudden tone change. She sounded almost…angry. “Have you met him before?” He questioned.

Met wasn’t exactly the right word. 

Rocío coughed, “No.”

Leticia offered her another few sips of water.

Santiago eased his fingers over his brows as he sat back down on the chair before he took a deep breath. “The fact that your face drained of all its colour when you met his eyes is enough to convince me otherwise.”

“I want to rest,” Rocío softly spoke as Leticia set the cup down on the bedside table. She was then laid back down with her help.

Santiago crossed his arms over his chest. “If that is meant to make me leave and stop asking questions, you are sorely mistaken, Rosie.” He settled back in his chair and crossed his legs, intent on staying put. “Where did you meet him?”

“I told you, I hadn’t met him prior to yesterday’s ball.”

He huffed as his knee bounced, “I don’t quite believe you.”

Rocío raised an eyebrow. “Did he state otherwise?”

Santiago frowned. “No, he didn’t. Though, I found him a little too invested that it did make me think. Now, I promise I won’t get upset, just tell me the truth.”

“Santiago,” she groaned, “I’m not in the mood to be interrogated. I’ve told you the truth.” She turned her head towards him. “If you don’t believe me, then I can’t change your mind. I’m tired now, please let me rest.”

“Rocío,” his voice was stern and grave, “if you met him, and if he hurt you in some way or form, please tell me. He might be my friend, but I am by your side at all times, you know that.”

Rocío’s lips stretched into a soft smile. “Santi, I’m thankful, but I promise you, I have never met him before. It was a mere coincidence that my sleep deprivation suddenly washed over me in that instance. Now please, don’t worry yourself over me.”

Santiago sighed. “Very well, I’ll believe you.” He stood from the chair and hid his yawn. “Please rest and again, I’m here for you when you need me.” He leaned over her and gave her a kiss on her head before leaving with a simple farewell.