LYDIA'S POV

　　Lying in the hospital bed, I felt a crushing sense of vulnerability. The high fever wracking my body only added to my fragility. Pain pulsed through me with every heartbeat, and my mind drifted in and out of focus. Despite my condition, a sense of clarity was slowly emerging, piecing together fragments of memories that had long been suppressed.

　　Evan and Brandon had been by my side since I had awakened. Their presence was comforting, a reminder that I was not alone. The events of the past few days were a whirlwind—fighting a demon, nearly dying, and being saved by the two men who now watched over me with unwavering concern.

　　As night fell, the room dimmed, and the soft glow of the moonlight seeped through the curtains. Evan sat beside me, his hand gently resting on mine. Brandon had stepped out briefly to speak with the healers. I looked at Evan, his face etched with worry and exhaustion.

　　"Evan," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "Stay with me."

　　He looked at me, his eyes softening. "Of course, Lydia. I'm not going anywhere."

　　I felt a surge of emotion, a need for connection that I couldn't ignore. "Hold me," I said, my voice trembling. "Please."

　　Evan hesitated for a moment, then leaned in, wrapping his arms around me carefully, mindful of my injuries. His warmth seeped into me, providing a comfort that words could not.

　　"Can you kiss me? I just want to feel alive after being so close to death. Make me feel alive. Just for once."

　　He obliged and his lips touched mine in a gentle touch but I could feel his soul touching mine, healing what was broken between us.

　　As he held me, memories from a distant night began to surface.

　　The tavern had been lively, filled with the scent of ale and the sound of laughter. I had been there, trying to escape the weight of my responsibilities for just one night. That's when I met him—a mysterious stranger whose presence had drawn me in. We had shared a connection, a night of passion that had stayed with me, though I had never seen him again. Until now.

　　As Evan's scent enveloped me, it hit me like a bolt of lightning. This was the same scent, the same warmth. My heart raced as I pulled back slightly to look into his eyes. "Evan," I said, my voice quivering with realization. "It was you... that night at the tavern. It was you."

　　Evan's eyes widened in surprise, then softened with a mixture of emotions. "Lydia, I—"

　　"Why didn't you tell me?" I interrupted, my voice a mix of confusion and longing. "Why didn't you say anything?"

　　He sighed, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "I wanted to, but the circumstances were never right. And then everything became so complicated with the demon and your injuries."

　　Tears welled up in my eyes as the truth settled in. "All this time, you were there, and I didn't even know it."

　　Evan cupped my face gently, his thumb brushing away a tear. "I'm sorry, Lydia. I should have told you. But know this: I care about you deeply. That night was special to me, too."

　　The floodgates of my heart opened, and I couldn't hold back any longer. "Evan, I love you," I confessed, my voice raw with emotion. "And Brandon... I love him too. You both mean so much to me."

　　Evan's eyes shone with love and relief. "We love you too, Lydia. Both of us."

　　At that moment, Brandon returned, his eyes widening as he sensed the change in the room. "What happened?" he asked, looking between us.

　　"I just... I just told her," Evan said, a smile tugging at his lips.

　　Brandon's expression softened as he approached the bed. "Lydia, you mean everything to us. We've always been here for you, not just out of duty, but out of love."

　　My heart swelled with emotion as I reached out to Brandon, taking his hand in mine. "Thank you, both of you, for everything. I don't know what I would have done without you."

　　Brandon leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. "We'll always be here for you, Lydia. No matter what."

　　Feeling a surge of love and gratitude, I pulled both of them closer, despite the pain it caused. "I love you both," I whispered, tears streaming down my face. "Thank you for saving me."