Aiden's POV
The first thing I noticed was her stillness.
Marian wasn't just unconscious—she was too still, too quiet. The only sign of life was the shallow rise and fall of her chest, but even that seemed too fragile, like it could stop at any moment.
I gripped her hand tighter. "Marian."
No response.
Panic twisted in my chest, sharp and merciless. My voice dropped, steadier this time, more forceful. "Marian. Open your eyes."
Nothing.
Then, suddenly—her body jerked.
A choked gasp tore from her throat, her fingers twitching, but her eyes remained shut. A violent shudder wracked through her, her breath coming in short, broken spurts.
Something was wrong.
She wasn't just waking up—she was struggling.
My grip on her shoulders tightened. "Marian. Stay with me."
Her body arched slightly, her lips parted like she was trying to breathe, but nothing was happening. Her face twisted in pain, her chest rising and falling in shallow, desperate attempts at air.
Then—nothing.
