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.

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

my throat. “What happened?” I croaked, the question a desperate

hand up in a placating gesture, his grip firm yet gentle as he pushed me back down onto the bed. “Calm down, Amaya. It’s okay. You’re safe

my current state. “No, it’s not okay,” I insisted, my voice rising with a tremor. “Natalia… Sarah… Riley. What about them?” Images of their faces flashed in my mind–Sarah’s infectious laughter,

a steady counterpoint to the storm brewing within me. “Everyone’s okay. Just relax. You

rest”

The fear morphed into anger, a hot coal burning in my gut. “I need to see them,” I declared, pushing myself

there. The doctor said you need to stay in bed for observation. They’ll be fine.

“But what happened?” I demanded, my voice laced