Asher's POV

The machines in Axel’s hospital room were the only sound breaking the silence, their rhythmic beeps both comforting and tormenting. My brother's body was still, his pale skin a sharp contrast to the stark white sheets covering him. His lips had taken on a bluish tint, a haunting reminder that time was slipping through my fingers.

I sat beside him, gripping his hand, though he didn’t respond. His chest rose and fell faintly, each shallow breath like a whisper of life refusing ...