Chapter 71 Awakened But Broken

The sterile scent of antiseptic clung to the air, mingling with the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor. A slow, hesitant flutter of eyelashes disturbed the stillness, shadows trembling behind Mariana’s closed lids before she forced them open. The world was a blur of white, hospital walls, sterile sheets, fluorescent lights humming faintly above. A warm pressure circled her hand. Large. Familiar. Strong, but trembling slightly.