Chapter 23

Tracy woke up again in the hospital, the sharp sting of disinfectant lingering in the air. The moment she opened her eyes, she saw Sebastian slumped beside her bed, fast asleep. His face was dotted with fine cuts. His hands, shredded from digging through rubble, were still raw and bloodied even after treatment. Dark circles sank beneath his eyes. His clothes were rumpled, and his whole body carried the exhaustion of someone who hadn't rested in days. He looked nothing like the immaculate, untouchable Sebastian. Tracy hadn't meant to wake him, but the instant she shifted, he jolted awake. He lifted his head sharply, still half-asleep. "What's wrong?" Two seconds later, recognition hit. When he realized she was awake, his eyes lit up. "Trace, you're awake. I'll get the doctor right away." Tracy reached out and grabbed his arm. Her throat had been scorched by smoke, so her voice came out hoarse and strained, but she forced the words out anyway. "Where's Matthew? How is he?" The ligh