Ariana’s POV
Voices.
That was the first thing I heard.
Distant at first.
Muffled.
Like they were coming from underwater.
“…pressure is dropping—”
“…get the doctor—”
“…she collapsed—”
Everything felt heavy.
My body.
My head.
Even my breathing.
I tried to move, but nothing responded.
Darkness clung to me.
Pulling me back.
But then—
“Ariana.”
My name.
Clear.
Sharp.
Close.
My eyes fluttered open.
Light hit me instantly, making me wince.
Too bright.
Too much.
I blinked slowly, trying to focus.
A ceiling.
White.
Unfamiliar.
A hospital?
My chest tightened slightly.
Of course.
⸻
“You’re awake.”
His voice.
I turned my head slightly.
Damien stood by the window, his posture straight, his expression unreadable.
But his eyes—
They were on me.
Watching.
Always wa
