Ruby’s POV

The first thing I noticed when I opened my eyes was the light.

It wasn’t harsh, but soft, like morning sun filtered through clouds. The ceiling was white. The room was quiet except for the occasional beep of a machine and the gentle rustle of someone moving nearby.

I blinked slowly. My body ached. My throat felt dry. But I was alive.

The second thing I noticed was him.

Austin was sitting by my side, his head resting against the edge of the hospital bed. His jacket had slid off ...