Bandaged Illusions

At the hospital, the VIP ward lights were still on when Sloane finally opened her eyes. Her eyelids felt heavy after hours under anesthesia. Her face was stiff, most of it still wrapped in bandages, but her consciousness was slowly returning. As soon as her eyes were fully open, the first thing she did was search for Declan’s presence.

“Where is Declan?” Sloane’s voice was hoarse, soft yet filled