Chapter 20

Elena’s POV

As I stepped into the ICU, the sterile air thick with the scent of antiseptic, my heart twisted at the sight of Lucas lying still, fragile against the white sheets. His once-vibrant features seemed drained, yet his eyes—pale but intensely focused—found mine the moment I entered.

“Elena,” he murmured, his voice raspy but warm. The hint of a smile touched his lips, though it couldn’t mask the pain he was in.

“Lucas...” I swallowed hard, fighting the lump forming in my throat. “How are you feeling?”

He let out a slow breath. “Better, now that you’re here. Just seeing you...” His words trailed off as his gaze drifted over my face, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

A wave of frustration and guilt surged through me. “Why, Lucas? Why would you risk your life for me?” I asked, my voice barely more than a whisper. “You didn’t have to do that. You don’t have to save me again.”

He held my gaze, his eyes