Clarissa’s POV
I woke to the sharp, antiseptic smell of hospital air. For a moment, everything was a blur of white and shadow. My head felt heavy, my body dull and distant, as if it didn’t entirely belong to me. But then a darker shape leaned over me, shifting into focus, and my name escaped him in a whisper so raw I barely recognized his voice.
“Clarissa…”
Dante,who in the past could carry an unreadable expression now had a different look. It was very obvious that he was worried. Instantly, the memories hit me all at once.
I sucked in a breath, and Dante flinched as if the sound itself hurt him.
“What—what happened?” My voice was thin, trembling. I already knew. I just needed to hear him say it, to anchor myself to something real.
He dragged a hand down his face, the motion jerky w
