MATEO’S POV

The heart monitor beeped in a slow, steady rhythm.

I stood by the window of the room, looking out at the New York streets.

"Water."

The voice was incredibly weak, it sounded like dry leaves scraping against concrete.

I turned around.

Mina was awake, bandages were still wrapped around her cheek, but color was slowly returning to her pale face, she looked at me with hollow eyes.

I walked over to the small table, poured a glass of water, and added a plastic straw, I held it near her cracked lips.

"Drink slowly," I said.

Mina took a small sip and swallowed hard, wincing in pain, she let...