Chapter 12

Alexander drew in a deep breath and answered the call. Amelia's soft, fragile voice came through, tinged with just the right amount of dependence. "Alexander, my head still feels a little dizzy, and the wound aches. I'm so scared of being here alone. Can you come stay with me?" If it were any other time, hearing her like this would have made him drop everything and rush to her side. But now, as he stared at the last glimmer of a flight fading into the night sky outside his window, a strange, unfamiliar irritation flickered through him. It was faint enough that even he hadn't fully examined it before it passed. After a few moments of silence, he finally replied, "Okay, I'll be there." By the time he reached the VIP room at the hospital, Amelia was propped against the headboard, her face pale. The moment she saw him, a warm, relieved smile spread across her face. Alexander sat down on the edge of the bed. Amelia snuggled close and whispered to him, but his mind was elsewhere. Sens