Alina’s POV
I tied my hair into a sleek bun for work, smoothing back the last stubborn strand before slipping out of my room. On the way, I peeked in on Zayn. He was still asleep, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. The doctor had warned me the medication would knock him out—pain relief mixed with a sedative. Seeing him resting peacefully eased something in me, and I smiled faintly as I closed his door with care.
I was halfway to the front door when hesitation rooted me in place. Should I check on Elias? Apologize for slapping him? The guilt gnawed at me, heavy and sour. I hadn’t meant it—anger had just gotten the better of me. I turned toward his room, but the sharp creak of the front door swinging open stopped me cold.
Elias stepped inside.
My breath hitched. He looked w
