Bonds

Chapter 55

-Maya’s POV-

A wave of nausea rolled over me threatening to pull me under. The room spun, a dizzying carousel of white walls and blurry shapes. A cool hand settled on my forehead, a comforting anchor in the sea of disorientation. “Easy there,” a familiar voice murmured, laced with concern.

My eyelids fluttered open, battling the heaviness that threatened to keep them shut. Slowly, the blurry shapes merged into a face – Ivan’s face, filled with worry and a hint of relief. Relief washed over me, momentarily eclipsing the fear and pain that gnawed at the edges of my

consciousness.

audible even to my own ears. The memories, fragmented and terrifying, began to flood back–the crowded bar, Natalia’s mischievous grin, the squeal of tires,

up my throat. “What happened?” I

yet gentle as he pushed me back down

word felt foreign in my current state. “No, it’s not okay,” I insisted, my voice rising with a tremor. “Natalia… Sarah…

assured me, his voice a steady counterpoint to the storm brewing within

rest”

coal burning in my gut. “I need to see them,” I declared, pushing myself up

shoulder. “Whoa, there. The doctor said you need to stay in bed for

“But what happened?” I demanded, my voice laced with a desperation! couldn’t control. “Where are