Sophie stirred awake, her eyelids fluttering open to the soft glow of morning light filtering through the hospital blinds. The sterile scent of disinfectant mixed with the faint aroma of fresh flowers on the bedside table. She blinked slowly, her vision adjusting to the surroundings. The steady beeping of the heart monitor beside her provided a comforting rhythm. She flexed her fingers slightly and felt the crisp, cool sheets beneath her hands. A faint ache pulsed in her body, but it was overshadowed by a peculiar warmth—a sense of relief, as if waking up from a long and troubling dream.
She turned her head to see her parents sitting close by. Alexiana sat on the edge of the chair, her hands clasped tightly together, her knuckles white with tension. Artemis leaned slightly forward, his
