Chapter 18

• Aurora's POV
• The pain engulfs me like a tidal wave, relentless and all-consuming. I'm vaguely aware of voices around me, urgent and concerned, but I can't focus on anything beyond the agony coursing through my body. Time becomes meaningless, stretching and contracting in strange ways.
• When I finally managed my eyes, the room was a blur of white and muted colors. As my vision cleared, I saw Ethan's worried face hovering above me. His green eyes were concerned, and I realized he was holding my hand tightly.