LYDIA'S POV

　　As I slowly regained consciousness, the first thing I noticed was the beeping of medical equipment around me. The sounds were muffled as if coming from a great distance. My entire body felt heavy, and a dull, throbbing pain radiated from various parts of my body. Blinking against the harsh light, I tried to take in my surroundings.

　　I was in a hospital room, sterile and white. The faint smell of antiseptic hung in the air. I struggled to sit up, but a sharp pain in my side made me gasp and fall back against the pillows. Every movement seemed to aggravate my injuries, sending waves of pain through me. I felt fragile as if my body was made of glass.

　　"Easy there, Lydia," a gentle voice said. I turned my head slightly to see a healer by my bedside, her face kind and concerned. "You've been through a lot. Just rest for now."

　　My mind was foggy, but snippets of memory started to come back. The fight with the demon, the searing pain of its claws raking across my skin, and the feeling of life slipping away from me. And then... Evan. Evan carried me through the storm, his desperate attempts to wake me. Brandon's determined face as he joined the fray. They had saved me.

　　"Evan... Brandon..." I murmured my voice barely a whisper. "Where are they?"

　　"They're here," the healer reassured me. "They haven't left your side since you were brought in. I'll let them know you're awake."

　　As the healer left the room, I closed my eyes and tried to gather my thoughts. The events that led me here were hazy, but one thing was clear: I owed my life to Evan and Brandon. Without them, I would have been sacrificed to the demon.

　　A few moments later, the door opened, and Evan and Brandon entered the room. Relief washed over me at the sight of them. Evan's eyes were filled with concern, and Brandon looked equally worried.

　　"Hey, Lydia," Evan said softly, approaching my bedside. "How are you feeling?"

　　I tried to smile, but it felt weak. "I've been better," I admitted. "But I'm alive, thanks to you both."

　　"We're just glad you're okay," Brandon said, his voice thick with emotion. "We were so worried about you."

　　As I lay there, their presence brought me comfort, but I also noticed something strange. The way they looked at me, and the way the healer had spoken to me earlier—there was a newfound respect in their eyes. It was different from the way I had been treated at the mansion, where my status as a princess often went unnoticed or was met with indifference.

　　"Evan, Brandon," I said, looking between them. "What happened after... after you rescued me?"

　　Evan exchanged a glance with Brandon before speaking. "After we fought Alpha Matthew, we got you here as fast as we could. The pack members saw what you did, killing the demon, and word spread quickly. Everyone knows about your status now. They know you're a princess."

　　I stared at him in disbelief. "They know? How?"

　　"The pack member who stopped the fight announced it," Brandon explained. "He recognized you from the stories, the descriptions. Your bravery in facing the demon confirmed it. They respect you now, Lydia, truly."

　　I felt a mix of emotions—relief, surprise, and a bit of confusion. "So, they know I'm a princess, and now they respect me?"

　　Evan nodded. "Yes. The pack sees you as a hero. You've done something incredible, something that no one else could. You saved them."

　　I let out a shaky breath, overwhelmed by the information. My status had always been a source of pressure and expectation, but now, it seemed to have earned me genuine respect.

　　"How long have I been here?" I asked, realizing I had no sense of time.

　　"A few days," Brandon replied. "You had a high fever from your injuries, and you've been in and out of consciousness. The healers have been doing everything they can to help you recover."

　　I reached out, taking Evan's hand in mine. "Thank you for saving me," I said, my voice filled with gratitude. "I wouldn't be here without you."

　　Evan squeezed my hand gently. "You would have done the same for us, Lydia. We're just glad we could be there for you."