Damon - POV

The infirmary buzzed with activity as injured soldiers filled every corner, leaving the doctors with their hands full. I cradled an unconscious Stella in my arms, desperately urging a doctor to prioritise her over the soldiers. My anxiety made me pace back and forth. Julie and Dexter, visibly worn out and bandaged, stood nearby. From the emergency room, a painful moan echoed—the doctors and nurses were working frantically to save Stella. Every sound of her pain tightened the grip around my heart.

“Stella is strong; she’ll get through this,” Julie reassured me. I nodded, though worry still gnawed at me. Dexter handed me a towel to cover...