In the hospital, the room was brightly lit, the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor was a constant reminder of his fragile state, a sound that both reassured and tormented Eliza as she sat by his side.
The sterile smell of antiseptic lingered in the air, mixing with the faint scent of fresh linens, but Eliza barely noticed. Her focus was entirely on Vaughn, who lay motionless beneath the thin hospital sheet.
Eliza's hand hovered over Vaughn's head, trembling slightly as she carefully cradled his head, making sure not to disturb the bandage wrapped around his skull.
His skin was pale, almost ghostly, the usual warmth and vitality drained from his face. Dark circles rimmed his eyes, the result of the trauma his body had endured.
She could see the faint rise and fall of his chest, each breath shallow and labored, but it was enough to keep hope alive within her.
