Chapter 515
Ella’s POV
I opened my eyes slowly. I couldn’t tell if the hospital room was brighter than I remembered or if I had slept through an entire day. Sunlight was streaming through the blinds and casting stripes across the white sheets. My throat felt like sandpaper when I swallowed.
Groaning softly, I tried to sit up. But a hand gently pushed me back down.
“Easy.” Alexander’s voice came from beside me, and I turned my head to see him sitting in a chair next to the bed. He looked like he’d been through hell. His face was bruised and cut, one eye swollen nearly shut. There was a bandage wrapped around his forehead, and his clothes were torn and stained with blood.
But he was smiling at me.
“You’re awake,” he said softly. He reached out and took my hand in his, lacing his fingers through mine. “Thank the Goddess.”
“What… happened?” My voice came out hoarse and cracked. I swallowed and tried again. “I… I remember Richard, and Liam, and then-”
“You flatlined,” Alexander said. “The doctors had to resuscitate you. You’ve been out for almost twelve hours.”
Twelve hours. I blinked, trying to gather my reeling thoughts. The last thing I remembered was collapsing on the floor. I remembered blood, and…
“Liam,” I gasped, sitting bolt upright. Pain shot through my chest, but I ignored it, whirling toward Alexander. “Is he-”
“He’s alive,” Alexander said quickly, helping me lay back down. “He’s being treated in another room. The knife wound was deep, but the doctors say he’ll make a full recovery. He’s going to be okay, Ella.”
Relief flooded through me so fast that I felt lightheaded. I sank back against the pillows, closing my eyes. “And Richard?”
“He was taken into custody.” Alexander’s voice turned cold. “He’s not going to hurt you again. Or anyone else, for that matter.”
I opened my eyes and looked at him. He looked like he’d been put through a meat grinder. “What happened to you?” I croaked.
He let out a long breath and scrubbed his hands over his face. “Richard’s supporters tried to stop me from getting to you. They ran me off the road. My car crashed, and I had to shift and run the rest of the way here on foot.” He paused, jaw working momentarily before he went on, “I got here, though.”
I felt sick. Alexander had nearly died trying to get to me. We’d both nearly died. Liam had nearly died. Again.
Alexander cleared his throat. “Ella,” he said quietly, “there was fire-”
“I know,” I interrupted. My voice cracked, and I felt fresh tears burning behind my eyes. “She’s gone.
Alexander’s expression softened. “I’m sorry, Ella. She ran into the fire to save Lucien. No one could stop her.”
The tears spilled over then before I could stop them. Alexander moved to sit on the edge of the bed. He pulled me into his arms, and I buried my face in his chest and just… sobbed. He held me tight the entire time and didn’t let go even once.
“I’m sorry,” he murmured. “I’m so sorry, Ella.”
“At least I got to say goodbye,” I choked out. “At least I had that.”
We stayed like that for a long time. Eventually, my tears slowed, and I pulled back just enough to look up at him. His expression was strained.
“About Jane.” His throat bobbed.
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