~Hermes~

My eyes are still shut, but I’m fully conscious now.

I can hear Natalya’s voice fading, her heels tapping against the sterile floor as she and Charlotte leave the ward. The moment the door clicks shut, I exhale quietly, finally opening my eyes.

I push myself up, the IV tugging against my arm. My head throbs, dull but bearable.

The door opens again.

I tense, ready to close my eyes and fake sleep—but it’s Ted.

"Well, that took long enough, he says, walking in with his usual ...