When Ava finally stirred, the world around her felt soft and hazy. A dull ache pulsed at the edges of her consciousness, but it was nothing compared to the warmth surrounding her.
Her eyelids fluttered open, and the first thing she saw was Lucas sitting right next to her, his large frame hunched over, his elbows on his knees, watching her. His usual sharp, authoritative features softened with something that looked suspiciously like relief.
Ava's breath caught in her throat.
"You're alive…" she whispered, her voice weak, almost unsure if she was seeing things.
The moment the words left her lips, her chest tightened, and before she could stop herself, tears spilled down her cheeks.
"Oh my God, you're alive."
Then, she sobbed.
Like full-body, heart-wrenching, ugly crying.
Lucas blinked. Visibly confused.
"I…uh, okay?" He shifted uncomfortably, clearly not prepared for this. "I don't understand. I am alive, so why are you crying?"
