Chapter 113

Chloe’s POV

I dressed carefully, something simple and loose that wouldn’t draw attention. My arm still ached faintly beneath the bandage, but I ignored it. Pain had become background noise in my life.

Before leaving, I glanced once more at Drake. He was sitting up now, watching me with that unreadable expression again.

“Call me when you’re done,” he said.

“I will,” I replied, though I wasn’t sure if I meant it.

I stepped out into the morning air and inhaled deeply. The day felt ordinary, almost insulting in its normalcy.

I visited Hilda first.

The hospital smelled the same as always. Clean, sterile, unforgiving. I sat beside her bed and held her hand gently, careful not to let my sleeve slide up and reveal anything.

“You have to wake up soon,” I whispered. “I’m fighting too many battles alone.”

Her face remained still. The machines continued their steady rhythm.

After a while, I leaned back in the chair and placed a