Serenya's POV
The smell of antiseptic pulls me out of the dark.
I blink at the ceiling light until my vision steadies. My head throbs like I’ve been underwater too long. A blood pressure cuff tightens around my arm, and when I turn my head, I see the doctor checking my pulse.
Then I see him.
Kaelen sits on the chair beside the bed, elbows on his knees, sleeves rolled up. His shirt’s wrinkled, hair still damp from sweat. He looks tired, but when our eyes meet, something sharp flickers in his expression.
“You’re awake,” he says quietly. His voice is lower than I remember. “You fainted near the café.”
I open my mouth, but nothing comes out. Only air. The silence rushes in, heavy and humiliating. I lift my hand, trying to sign something, but my fingers shake too much to form words.
“Do
