Aria POV

“Aria, did you visit the hospital?”

His voice hit me like thunder. My body froze beneath the duvet, my heart pounding so hard I thought it might burst. I sat up slowly, eyes wide, staring at the shadow of him standing in the doorway. His shoulders filled the frame, his presence heavy, demanding.

I tried to form words but my throat locked.

“I asked you a question.” His tone was sharp, biting, every word laced with authority.

My lips parted, air coming in shallow gasps. “I… I… Kael…”

“Don’t stammer,” he snapped, stepping closer, the floor groaning under his boots. His eyes burned into mine. “Answer me. Did...