Derek turned around to check on Ella and noticed she was awake, her eyes locked on him, a mixture of confusion and determination reflected in her gaze. He could tell she had a thousand questions swirling in her mind. With a sigh, he pulled a chair closer and sat down across from her.

“How are you feeling?” Derek asked, his voice soft.

“You saved me,” Ella replied weakly, her voice barely a whisper. “Thank you.”

Without thinking, Derek reached out, brushing a stray strand of ...