CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE:RISKS AND REWARDS
Arielle drifted between dreams and memories—fragments of her past, her mother’s voice, Damien’s words, and moments with her siblings all blurring into a soft haze. When she finally opened her eyes, the weight of the last few days settled into place like mist lifting from the sea. In the quiet calm of her hospital room, the hum of monitors and the occasional beep provided a sense of strange comfort. The day after she regained consciousness, Nina bounced into the room carrying a small bouquet of cheerful sunflowers. Arielle was propped up in bed, her skin still pale but her eyes alert. "How’s my warrior girl?" Nina asked, placing the flowers in a vase beside her. Arielle gave a tired smile. "Recovering. Slowly." Nina sat beside her and took her hand. "You scared the life out of me, you k
- Writer
