The private wing of Mercy General was quieter at night, with only the soft hum of machines and the gentle footsteps of night-shift nurses. Luna and Grayson hurried down the familiar hallway, still in their formal attire from the gala. Luna's heels clicked against the polished floor, a sound that seemed too loud in the peaceful space.

Dr. Martinez met them outside Elise's room, his expression cautiously optimistic.

"She's been drifting in and out of consciousness," he explained in a ...