Chapter 212

Claire's POV My consciousness wavered in and out like a bad radio signal. Someone was calling my name, but I couldn't respond. My body felt impossibly heavy, like I was sinking into quicksand. The fever burned through me, and soon I slipped back into darkness. I don't know how long I was out, but when I finally opened my eyes, I wasn't in my apartment. Everything around me was white—sterile walls, crisp sheets, and the steady drip of an IV bag hanging beside my bed. A hospital. Great. "You're finally awake." I turned toward the familiar voice. Klein was sitting in a chair beside my bed, relief clear in his expression. His silver hair was messy, as if he'd been running his hands through it repeatedly, and dark circles shadowed his eyes. "You... why are you here?" I tried to sit up, but my arms trembled with the effort. Klein quickly reached behind me to adjust my pillows. "Easy there. You had a dangerous fever and were convulsing when I found you. If I hadn't arrived when I did..." He l