chapter Ninety-Nine

The sterile scent of antiseptic invaded my senses as I lay on the uncomfortable hospital bed, surrounded by the soft hum of medical equipment. Killian sat in the stiff chair beside me, his jaw clenched with concern. The doctor had just recommended that I stay overnight for observation, but the mere thought of spending a night in this cold, impersonal place sent shivers down my spine. "I don't want to stay here, Killian," I pleaded, my eyes searching his for understanding. He frowned, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation. "Catalina, they're just trying to make sure you're okay. It's for your safety." "But I feel fine," I insisted, sitting up and pushing back a strand of hair that had escaped my ponytail. "I want to go home, and sleep in my bed." Killian sighed, running a hand through his tousled hair. "Look, I'll talk to the doctors, see if there's any way they can let you go. But you have to promise me you'll take whatever they give you, okay? Those supplements are meant to