Allison's POV
I focused intently on the herbs steeping in the hot water, grateful for the task that kept my hands busy and my eyes away from Lucian.
The familiar scent of the medicinal brew—earthy, slightly bitter with notes of licorice root and valerian—filled the hospital room, overpowering the sterile antiseptic smell.
"It needs to steep for exactly seven minutes," I said to no one in particular, keeping my voice professional as I set the timer on my phone.
Behind me, I could hear Lucian settling back into his hospital bed, the sheets rustling as Victor helped him get comfortable.
I didn't need to look to picture the scene—Lucian would be frustrated by his own weakness, jaw tight with that stubborn pride that never let him acknowledge vulnerability.
"Your color is al
