Chapter 97

Christina's POV I floated somewhere between consciousness and dreams. Not in water anymore, thank god, but my limbs felt weightless as if gravity had forgotten I existed. Memories flickered through the cracks of my awareness—Hudson's strong arms carrying me, the harsh sting of chlorinated pool water on my skin, then the softness of a towel and bed. Everything blurred after that. His solid chest beneath my cheek. The steady motion of a car. Different voices surrounding me. Cool, sterile air filled my lungs. A hospital. The unmistakable antiseptic smell confirmed it before my brain could fully process where I was. Something slid into my arm. An IV, I realized distantly. Cold liquid trickled into my veins, providing momentary relief. "Will she be okay?" A voice asked. Ysolde? Maybe. I couldn't focus long enough to be sure. Then blessed darkness claimed me again. Real sleep this time. Deep and still. But the peace didn't last. Something inside me stirred. A small flame at first, then a ste