The blinding white lights of the hospital greeted Evalina as she slowly opened her eyes.

The room was quiet, save for the steady beep of a heart monitor and the soft drip of an IV line.

She tried to move, but her body felt heavy and weak. Her breaths were shallow, and her eyes scanned the room before a faint groan escaped her lips.

“Hunter…” she whispered, barely audible.

The nurse nearby quickly called for the doctor. Moments later, Hunter rushed into the room, his face etched with worry as he immediately reached for her hand.

“I’m here… I’m right here, Evalina,” he whispered.

Evalina tried to smile, but her...