The soft beeping of hospital monitors broke through the fog of unconsciousness. I opened my eyes slowly, wincing at the harsh fluorescent lights above. My entire body throbbed with pain—a vivid reminder of the brutal attack.
"Easy," a deep voice murmured beside me.
I turned my head slightly to find Tristan sitting at my bedside, concern etched across his handsome face.
"How long?" I whispered, my throat raw.
"About six hours since you last woke up," he said, gently helping me sip water from a straw. "The doctors have you on strong pain medication."
The memories flooded back—the attack, the stolen pendant containing Violet's ashes. My hand instinctively reached for my throat, finding nothing there. Fresh tears welled in my eyes.
"My pendant," I choked out. "He took her, Tristan. He took all I had left of Violet."
Tristan took my uninjured hand, his touch gentle but firm. "We'll find him, Aurelia. I promise you that."
"How bad is it?" I asked, gesturing weakly to my body.
