Chapter 20
Samantha's POV
When I heard he woke up, I rushed to him. Seeing everyone present, I composed myself.
I stood beside Adams as I watched Alaric sit up on the bed.
"Alaric... How do you feel?" I asked, almost in a whisper. He raised his gaze to look at me, lingering longer than was comfortable. His eyes carried the immense weight of pain. I couldn't sustain his stare and looked away. It felt as though my mere presence was a burden on him.
"I feel good enough to stand up from here, but no one wants to let me leave to attend to duties," he simply said.
"You should rest, please..." I pleaded, noting the surprise etched on every face. Was it the way I said it? I was just really glad to see him awake. His eyes softened as he looked at me longer. I could feel the awkward silence,
