The harsh glare of the hospital lights stung my eyes as I struggled to open them, a sharp reminder of where I was. The steady beep of the heart monitor echoed in the background, grounding me in the present.
Drystan was on the phone.
Oh, she’s awake, I’ll put you on video.
Victoria, Makarius said, How are you, my love?
My head hurts.
I will come tomorrow. The doctor said you have a mild concussion, and the baby is fine.
Makarius, you don’t have to come. I’m sure Drystan will punish Sienna.
He nodded. "I sent her back," he said.
This won’t happen again, Makarius said, now rest. I love you, he whispered.
Makarius, really, I’m fine. The baby is fine, too. You don’t need to travel again. But deep down, I knew that the slightest misstep could shatter everything, my sense of autonomy,
