Chapter 154

Sofia. The world blurred around me. The sound of my own breath—ragged, sharp—was the only thing keeping me tethered to reality as I clutched Lorelai in my arms. Aurelio is waking up. Vale’s words echoed in my skull, but my body had already moved before my mind could process them. I was rushing to get to the door. The air rushed past me as I made it to the front door, barefoot, heart hammering, pulse wild. Luca grabbed my arm before I could get into the car, his grip strong but careful. “Sofia, relax—” “I need to see him,” I snapped, shaking him off. “We’re coming with you,” Nikolai said from behind me. There was no room for argument. I didn’t care about security, the logistics, the doctors, or the tests. I just needed to see my brother. _ At the hospital. The room smelled sterile. Like antiseptic, bleach, and something too clean to be comforting. It made my senses twitch at the overly powerful smell. I stood in the doorway, my pulse thundering in my ears, my hands clenched into fists a