#Chapter 42: From the Ashes

Aria’s POV I blink awake, groggy and sore all over. The sterile white of the hospital room comes into focus slowly, and I wince as a sharp sting ripples across my collarbones. The burns. I lift my head, but even that small movement sends pain shooting through my body. Great. This is just fantastic. I glance around the room, trying to get my bearings, when my eyes land on something—or rather, someone—that stops me cold. Liam. He’s slumped in the guest chair in the corner, head tilted forward as he sleeps. His face… God, his face. He looks exhausted, like he hasn’t slept in days. There are tear streaks on his cheeks. Liam, crying? I blink again, wondering if I’m still dreaming. I’ve never seen him like this—so raw, so vulnerable. The sheets rustle as I shift, and Liam jerks awake instantly. His eyes lock on me, wide with panic for a second before he’s on his feet, rushing to my bedside. He looks like he’s about to fall apart. “Aria?” His voice cracks as he takes my ha