Chapter 148: A web of Lies

A wave of nausea washed over Mariana as Tiago gently attempted to prop her up with pillows. Her body, a fragile vessel of throbbing aches, protested with a weak tremor that ran through her limbs. A strangled cough escaped her lips, more air than sound, before she slumped back against the pillows, gasping for breath. Tiago hovered beside her, concern etched on his face. He held a glass of water to her lips, his touch surprisingly gentle. Hesitantly, Mariana opened her mouth, the cool liquid a welcome relief against the dryness that parched her throat. Despite Tiago's encouraging words, a wave of dizziness threatened to engulf her again. "No," she rasped, pushing his hand away as he tried to adjust the pillows further. "I need to lie down." Her voice, hoarse and barely audible, betrayed the exhaustion that clawed at her. Tiago's jaw clenched for a brief moment, but he quickly schooled his expression back into one of patient concern. "Alright," he conceded, his voice a low rumble. "Tak