[Celeste]
Ryder's face, so pale and lifeless, filled my vision as I tapped his cheek, my voice trembling. "Ryder, please. Stay with me. Open your eyes." My words were desperate, pleading. He didn't stir. His lids remained shut, his breathing faint.
"Elvis!" I screamed, my voice cracking while shaking Ryder's shoulders lightly, careful not to worsen the injury. From what I could tell, surgery was needed to take out the blade.
The door slammed open, and Elvis rushed in. His eyes immediately zeroed in on Ryder and the blade lodged between his ribs. He hurried forward and crouched beside us, his hands hovering over Ryder but not touching him. His voice was low, controlled. "What happened?" But there was a trace of suspicion in his tone.
My throat was tight as I struggled to speak. "He... h
