Ava's POV

My heart pounded violently as I bolted upright, gasping for air. The scream that tore through me was still caught in my throat, and the memory of the shadowy figure lingered like a dark smudge in my mind.

"Ava!"

Rose’s voice jolted me further. I turned to find her gripping my shoulders, her face pale with worry. “You’re okay. Ava, breathe!”

I blinked rapidly, my chest heaving. My surroundings started to come back into focus—the sterile hospital room, the faint sunlight streaming through the window, and Rose, staring at me like I’d just shattered.

“It’s just a dream,” she whispered softly, brushing my hair back from my damp...