The moon hung high in the night sky, its soft light spilling into the sterile room of the medical wing where Adrianna had been confined. The stillness felt oppressive, and the rhythmic beeping of nearby monitors was a constant reminder of her isolation. Despite Alaric's explicit instructions to stay, Adrianna couldn't bear another moment trapped in this cold sanctuary. She needed to breathe the air of freedom, to see her children, to feel something beyond this crushing sense of helplessness.
Alaric was not here, and the absence of his stern yet reassuring presence made the decision easier. She slipped out of the bed, her bare feet touching the cool floor as she steadied herself. The ache in her body protested, but her resolve was stronger. Wrapping herself in a long coat, she moved through the hallways, avoiding the staff. Every step toward the exit was a step toward reclaiming a piece of herself she had lost.
