Liana’s POV
The hospital discharged me at 7 a.m. sharp. They said the concussion was mild—no bleeding on the brain, just rest, painkillers, and no sudden movements.
I took painkillers. Ignored the rest. By 9:30 I was back at Blaise Corps, hair in a messy bun to hide the bandage, sunglasses on to hide the dark circles, black sweater loose enough to cover the IV bruise on my arm.
I looked like someone who’d had a bad night, not someone who almost lost her entire past life in one faint. I blamed myself again. Every time I changed something, a memory died.
Last night’s confrontation with Lucy? After Raphael dropped that bomb.
Lucy blinked once. Twice. Then she laughed. A sharp, confused sound.
“Boyfriend?” she echoed. “Wow. Congratulations, Liana.” So,” she said slowly, eyes flicking to
