The steady hum of machines filled the hospital room, interrupted only by the soft, shallow breaths Daniel struggled to take. His body was weak and his mind was restless. His gaze moved slowly around the room, taking in the familiar faces hovering near his bedside—his mother, Nicole, watching him with anxious eyes; Mia, leaning possessively against his pillow; but the one face that lingered in his thoughts was absent.

“Where is she?” Daniel’s voice was hoarse, breaking the silence. His ...