Maya's POV
"I'll be right back, Aria," I whispered over my shoulder as I exited the private room. Aria lay unconscious, her hand still wrapped around her hospital gown.
Her temperature had spiked during the night; the monitors beeped steadily, and the drip delivered cooling fluids. "I'm just down the hall to grab your bag and jacket. Don't you dare move, okay?"
"Promise me you won't be gone long," she mumbled without opening her eyes. I squeezed her hand. "I'll be quick."
My heart hammered as I stepped into the corridor, pushing the door closed behind me. The antiseptic smell filled my lungs—it always did. But this time it felt cold, sinister. I hurried toward the locker area where Aria's things were stored.
The hallway was empty; most patients and staff were in the cafeteria or on rounds. I reached the row of lockers and entered Aria's code.
