Lucian's POV
Heidi stirred not long after midnight—eyes fluttering open, breath shallow, but steady.
She blinked up at me, disoriented at first, then slowly focused. “Lucian?”
“I'm here,” I said quietly, leaning in. “You're okay.”
She relaxed a little, her fingers curling weakly into the blanket. “Did I—?”
“You collapsed,” I said gently, brushing a damp strand of hair from her forehead. “But you're safe now. Just rest.”
The nurse came in to check her vitals.
Everything looked stable.
I stayed beside her until her breathing evened out again, until her lashes sank against pale cheeks and she drifted into sleep.
I stood, quietly slipping my phone into my pocket.And I left.
I slid into my car, bone-deep exhaustion settling over me.
The dashboard clock's blue
