Chapter 41

Aisha's POV The soft light of morning filtered through the curtains when Simon received the message. He's awake. Simon tensed beside me as Charlie's name echoed through the mindlink. Without a word, he rose from the bed, muscles flexing as he reached for a shirt. I was still sore from the night before, every inch of my body humming with the remnants of what we'd shared, but I didn't hesitate. I slipped out of bed and got dressed quickly, tying my hair back as we headed out. The hospital wing was quieter than usual, the scent of antiseptic lingering in the air. When we reached Charlie's room, the Beta was already trying to sit up, wincing as he moved. His face lit up when he saw us. "Don't move too fast," I said, rushing to his side. "You were out for nearly two days." "I feel like I got run over by a damn bus," he muttered, grinning despite the pain. I placed my fingers gently on his wrist to check his pulse. Though his skin was cool and clammy, his vitals were steady. Relief flooded t