Page 46 of Crossing Between
I floated in a sea of comfort, drifting between consciousness and dreams. My body felt weightless, suspended in a cloud. The sensation was pleasant, peaceful even, until I tried to move.
Pain sliced through my abdomen, sharp and insistent. A groan escaped my lips before I could stop it. My eyes fluttered open to an unfamiliar ceiling. Soft beige walls surrounded me and gentle sunlight filtered through partially drawn curtains.
"Whoa, easy there."
Ryan's voice pulled my attention to my right. My brother appeared at my bedside, concern etched across his features as he held out a glass of water.
"Here, drink this," he helped me take small sips. "You need to take it easy, sis. You've been through hell."
I glanced around the small but surprisingly comfortable hospital room. The bed beneath me was plush and adjustable, not the typical hard slab I'd expected. A TV mounted on the wall, fresh flowers on the side table, and what looked like actual artwork on the walls.
"Where am I?" My voice came out raspy.
"Private room, courtesy of your boss," Ryan'stone had a hint of impressed surprise in his tone. "Captain Varon pulled some serious strings. This place is usually reserved for, like, visiting dignitaries or something."
That explained the luxury. I tried to sit up again, moving more carefully this time, but the pain in my stomach made me wince.
"What happened?" I could feel a small headache forming, though fragmented memories were already returning. The attack at the police station, the infected people, the Essencefeaster's presence hovering just beyond my reach.
Ryan pulled a chair closer to my bed and took my hand. His palm felt warm against mine, familiar and comforting.
"You don't remember? There was an attack at the police station. They're saying some kind of mass hysteria or something on the news, but," he lowered his voice. "Your boss told me what happened when he called. That demon thing, right?"
I nodded, relieved I didn't have to lie to him.
"Were you anywhere near the station?" I was suddenly gripped with fear. "You weren't caught up in any of it, were you?"
Ryan shook his head quickly. "No, no. I was nowhere near there. I'm fine, Zo. I promise."
Relief washed over me, but it was quickly followed by a strange sensation. Something tugged at my magic. It wasn't painful, but urgent. It felt like a distant call, a whisper I couldn't quite make out. I reached for my power instinctively but found only emptiness where my magic should be. It hadn't regenerated yet.
"You look better today," Ryan continued, oblivious to my internal struggle. "Yesterday you were so pale I barely recognized you."
"Yesterday? How long have Ibeen here?"
"About thirty-six hours. You've been in and out." He squeezed my hand. "Scared the hell out of me, sis."
Guilt twisted in my chest. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be. Your friends told me what you did. You saved a bunch of people." Pride shone in his eyes. "My big sister, the hero. Mom and dad would be proud."
I looked away, uncomfortable with the praise. "I was just doing my job."
Ryan chuckled. "Yeah, well, your job is apparently a lot more badass than you let on."
We talked a while longer. He filled me in on Ruth, she was fine, worried sick but being cared for by a neighbor, and about the city's response to the attack. The official story was some kind of gas leak causing hallucinations. Typical cover-up.
Eventually, Ryan glanced at his watch and sighed. "I've got to go. Meeting someone about a job."
My eyebrows shot up. "A job? A real one?"
"Don't look so shocked," he laughed. "I can be responsible sometimes."
"I'll believe it when I see it," I teased, but warmth spread through my chest. Maybe he was finally growing up.
Ryan leaned over and kissed my forehead. "Get some rest. I'll check on you later."
He walked to the door, turning back to give me a little wave before disappearing into the hallway. The door clicked shut behind him.
