Alina lay in the hospital bed at Zombieland, her face pale, eyes heavy with exhaustion and pain. Machines beeped steadily around her as a nurse adjusted the IV line in her arm. The rescue had come just in time—Ethan, Kai, and Lyra had fought through fire and chaos to bring her back—but the damage had already been done.
A soft knock on the door came before Elena stepped inside, her eyes red from crying. She slowly approached the bed, trying to hold herself together.
"She's okay... for now," the nurse said, handing them an ultrasound image.
Alina took the photo with shaking hands. A tiny shape appeared inside it—fragile and real.
"It's a girl," she whispered.
Elena sat beside her, placing a hand gently on her daughter's arm. "She's strong… just like her mother," she said, voice cracking.
But the doctors had been clear—Alina's pregnancy was now high risk. The violent trauma had caused complications, and any added stress could put both their lives in danger. She had to stay on bed rest, be careful, and avoid emotional or physical strain.
Kai appeared in the doorway, hesitant, his eyes fixed on the ultrasound photo in her hands.
"I'm here," he said softly. "For both of you."
Alina looked at him—scared, in pain, but fiercely protective of the tiny life inside her.
"Then promise me," she whispered. "No more running. No more hiding. We fight for her now."