" Ariana? " Sarah's voice was weak, a whisper that barely reached the other side of the room. Ariana's eyes met Sarah's, and for a moment, relief washed over her features. But it was quickly replaced by concern as she noticed the fear in Sarah's eyes. She took a step closer, her movements slow and deliberate.
" Sarah, you are awake, " Ariana said, her voice trembling with a mix of exhaustion and relief.
" Thank God. " Sarah's heart pounded in her chest as she took in the sight of Ariana. Blood was smeared across her face, her clothes torn and stained. But it was the deep wound on Ariana's arm that caught Sarah's attention. Blood seeped from the gash, staining her skin and dripping onto the floor.
" Ariana, you are hurt! " Sarah exclaimed, trying to sit up but feeling too weak to do so. " What happened? Who did this to you? " Ariana shook her head, a faint smile playing on her lips.
"It's nothing, just a scratch, " she said, attempting to downplay the severity of her injury.
" I am more worried about you. How are you feeling? Don't lie to me," Sarah said, her voice gaining strength.
" That is not just a scratch. You need help." Ariana took another step closer, her legs unsteady beneath her.
" I will be fine. I promise. But right now, I need to make sure you are okay. " Sarah reached out, her hand trembling as she touched Ariana's bloodied arm.
" You cannot keep doing this, Ariana. You can't keep putting yourself in danger for me." Ariana's eyes softened, and she knelt beside Sarah's bed, wincing as she moved.
" I will do anything for you, Sarah. You know that. I would face any danger, any enemy, if it meant keeping you safe." Tears welled up in Sarah's eyes, blurring her vision. " But look at you. You are hurt, and it's because of me. I can't bear to see you like this." Ariana gently cupped Sarah's face in her hand, her thumb brushing away a tear.
" You are worth every wound, every battle. Don't you ever doubt that. " Sarah's heart ached with love and worry.
" I don't want to lose you, Ariana. I can't lose you." Sarah stated with her voice trembling.
" You won't, " Ariana whispered, her voice filled with determination. " I will always be here for you. No matter what." Sarah's gaze dropped to Ariana's arm again, the blood still flowing from the wound.
" You need to stop the bleeding. Please, let me help you." Ariana nodded, her strength waning.
" Alright. But first, I need to know that you are okay. Tell me, how are you feeling? " Sarah took a deep breath, trying to focus on her own condition.
" I am abit tired, and I feel weak, but I'm okay. Thanks to you been alive for me." Ariana smiled, her relief palpable.
" That's all I needed to hear." Suddenly, Ariana's eyes rolled back, and she swayed, her body giving out.
" Ariana! Ariana, babe, babe " Sarah cried out, reaching for her as she collapsed to the floor, unconscious. Panic surged through Sarah as she pressed the call button by her bed, hoping to summon help.
" Somebody, please! We need help in here! " Ariana shouted on top of her voice that was barely a whisper before her strength gave in and she ended collapsing on her bed.