"Lower your eyes before I poke them out," Lucian's voice cut through the quiet room.
I couldn't help but let out a small laugh when I saw him glaring at Auren, who hadn't even realized he was gazing at me.
"I'm just grateful she's back," Auren said awkwardly, finally stepping away. "That's all."
I smiled faintly. "Thank you, Auren… your feathers were really beautiful."
His eyes lit up instantly. "Really? I made sure to send the brightest ones I had."
But before I could reply, a sharp knock sounded at the door.
It swung open almost immediately.
"Out of the way—"
Dr. Darian rushed in, coat slightly disheveled, his expression already focused and tense. The warmth in the room shifted the moment he arrived.
By then, I had already been guided back onto the bed. The strength I'd forced myself to hold onto earlier was fading fast, draining from my limbs like water slipping through my fingers.
My fingers trembled against the sheets.
The world felt distant.
