(Lena's POV).
"I can't... I can't breathe properly," I whispered, clutching the blanket tighter around my trembling frame.
The sterile scent of the infirmary clung to everything, yet it did nothing to cleanse the memory of blood and pain still vivid in my mind.
Adrian’s hand was wrapped gently around mine, his thumb brushing over my knuckles.
His dark brows were drawn tight, and his voice was strained with concern.
"You’re safe now, Lena. No one will touch you again."
I tried to nod, but the ache in my shoulder flared, and a quiet gasp escaped me. My whole body ached—inside and out. I curled slightly into myself, wincing.
"Don’t move too much," Adrian said softly, brushing a strand of hair from my forehead. His storm-gray eyes were filled with guilt. “You shouldn’t have been in t
