Chapter 85

Caden’s POV The cool night air clung to my skin as I left the mansion behind, each step heavy with purpose. Emily had risked so much to free me. I sighed. There was no turning back now. My heart pounded with every mile that brought me closer to the hospital. I didn’t care about Ronan or the consequences. All that mattered was seeing Lila again—making sure she was safe. When I arrived at the ward, I paused outside her door, taking a steadying breath. The soft light from inside spilled into the hallway, and I could see her curled up on the hospital bed through the small window. She looked fragile, her usual fire dimmed by exhaustion and her auburn hair fell in loose waves over her face. My chest tightened at the sight, a surge of protectiveness and guilt coursing through me. This was my fault—all of it. I pushed the door open quietly, stepping inside. The room was still, save for the steady beeping of the heart monitor and the rhythmic rise and fall of her chest. She was asleep, her feat