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Harsh musical notes pealed in the distance, as though from the hunting horn in a comedy Lemoncake had recently filmed. |
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In response, Mariah heard a soft, miserable groan. She tried to open her eyes to determine its source, for it sounded as though someone needed help. |
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Her eyelids were too heavy to budge. |
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Heat suffused her body, as though she were covered with a wool blanket under the hot sun, yet she could not move to throw it off. |
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Instead, she let herself fall limp. She needed to sleep some more. |
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"Miss!" A sharp voice penetrated her lethargy. "Are you injured?" |
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There was another groan, and Mariah realized it came from her. With an effort, she blinked. |
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A terrible bright glare stung her vision, and she gasped, shutting her eyes once more. |
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"What ails you, miss?" came the voice again, now tinged with impatience. |
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