Chapter 174

Pandora's POV 

The soft hum of the hospital machines had become oddly soothing. I had been in this bed for days now, recovering from the bruises and cuts that marked my body. 

Remnants of Ms. Edna's desperate and cruel attempt to take control of her chaotic world. Every muscle in my body ached, and though I had healed significantly, the mental scars from the ordeal would take much longer to fade.

Rolan had barely left my side. He had been there through every grimace of pain, every restless night. It was only when I insisted that he took short breaks that he would venture out of the room to fetch me something or clear his head. 

The moment he returned, he was back in his chair by my side, his presence a silent reassurance that I was safe.

“Rolan,” I called softly, my voice still raspy from the days of pain and tension. He looked up from the book he had been pretending to read, his eyes immediately filled with concern.