Lucien sat up slowly, his vision still a little unsteady, the bitter aftertaste of the potion clinging stubbornly to his tongue like wet leaves in a storm. His limbs, though no longer aching, still held a lingering sourness, as though his very bones were stretching after a long slumber. Beside him, Marie gently held out a hand to help him to his feet.
"Easy now, young master," she said softly, wrapping her arm under his shoulder with a practiced strength. Lucien rose unsteadily, wobbling for a second before finding balance. Marie steadied him without effort.
Lucien groaned lightly and rolled his shoulders, flexing his neck from side to side as if trying to shake the soreness away. "Ugh. That potion was a nightmare..."
