Aurelia's POV
The first thing I became aware of was the steady beeping of medical equipment and the antiseptic smell of a hospital room. My head felt like it had been used as a punching bag, and every muscle in my body ached.
Slowly, I opened my eyes to find myself surrounded by familiar faces.
All seven Kane brothers stood around my hospital bed, their expressions a mixture of relief, guilt, and concern. Adrian, Kieran, Daemon, and Marcus occupied chairs near the window, while Cecil sat in the chair closest to my bed, her eyes red from crying.
"Auri!" Cecil gasped when she saw me stir. "Oh thank God, you're awake!"
She grabbed my hand, squeezing it tight as fresh tears spilled down her cheeks.
"Hey," I croaked, my throat feeling like sandpaper. "Why are you crying?"
"Because you ne
