Hayden slept through the night, her breathing slow and steady, her body gradually recovering from the damage the curse had inflicted. The room was silent, save for the soft rhythm of my own breath as I dozed in the armchair next to her. My hand stayed wrapped gently around hers, a lifeline even in sleep.
Sareena had left hours ago to dig deeper into the Council’s plans. She hadn’t said much, but I could feel the meaning behind her silence. She was worried. We both were. This wasn’t over—not by a long shot.
Hayden’s POV
Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, warming my face as I slowly opened my eyes. My head felt like it was stuffed with fog. Everything was... hazy. Disconnected. I remembered the hospital—the sterile white walls, the rhythmic beeping of machines. But this place
