Maya's POV
The overwhelming rush of relief that washed over me when Sebastian opened his eyes nearly sent me tumbling from the uncomfortable hospital chair. Those familiar eyes, though clouded with medication and disorientation, were finally looking back at me. He was conscious. He was speaking. He was alive.
"Sebastian," I whispered, my voice cracking as tears streamed down my face without restraint. "Oh God, you're awake."
He blinked slowly, struggling to bring me into focus, and attempted to shift his position on the narrow hospital bed. A wince of obvious pain crossed his features.
"Don't move," I urged, leaning forward instinctively. "You just came out of surgery. The doctors said you need to rest."
"You're..." His voice came out hoarse and strained, likely from the breathing apparatus they'd removed hours earlier. "You stayed."
