What in the world is that annoying beeping sound? It’s definitely not my alarm, I only use fun songs for that. Something bright and ridiculous. This? This is shrill. Repetitive. Rude. Is it Lukas’s phone? The microwave? A fire alarm? Whatever it is, it needs to die. And why does it smell like someone’s been power cleaning with industrial strength lemon death? Did Lukas go on another disinfectant spree? I groan and reach for a pillow to bury my head in. Wait. Why do I only have one pillow? And… Where the hell is Princess? Something’s not right.
“Clare?” Lukas says softly, somewhere to my left. His voice is gentle, but there’s something off in the tone. Something strained, like he’s trying really hard to sound calm. It’s weird enough to force my eyes open. Big mistake.
“Ugh. Too bright.” I mutter, squeezing them shut again as light stabs through my skull. I hear footsteps, then the soft whoosh of a curtain being drawn. A second later, the brightness dims and I crack my eyes open again. This is definitely not my room. Sterile walls. Too white sheets. Beeping machines. One of those ridiculous little clipboards on a wall hook. Hospital. I’m in a hospital. I try to sit up, but dizziness hits like a wave and I sway. Lukas is instantly there, one hand on my shoulder, the other pressing a button on the bed. The back of it rises with a smooth mechanical hum, helping me up without letting me fall over like a limp noodle.
“Okay…” I rasp.
“So this is happening.” I say pointlessly.
“Mmhm.” Lukas gives me a small smile and takes my hand, his fingers warm around mine. “You’re okay. You’re safe.” He assures me.
“Lukas…” My voice is shaky, and I can feel the panic trying to claw its way up, but Lukas is calm and I cling to it.
“Shhh.” He murmurs gently.
“Just give it a minute. It’s all in there, your mind just needs a moment to catch up. Everything’s fine.” He promises confidently. Fine. I trust Lukas, I really do. So… Okay. I settle a little. Still dizzy, still disoriented, but I feel less like I’m about to start screaming.
“Are you in any pain?” He asks softly. I check in with my body. Carefully.
“My ankle… Kind of hurts? And my head feels like someone tried to scoop it out with an ice cream scoop.” I inform him. Lukas nods, unsurprised. His hand squeezes mine.
“That makes sense.” He says, his voice even.
“You overused your magic again. You’ve been unconscious for nearly three days. And… You fractured your ankle. Pretty badly. It’s going to take a while to heal.” He explains carefully. Three days… A broken ankle… What the hell happened?! Lukas brushes his thumb across my knuckles.
“It’ll come back, don’t force it. Just breathe for now.” He says reassuringly. I nod slowly. There’s a thousand questions tangled in my mind, but I don’t ask them. Not yet. Because Lukas is here. He’s safe, and he’s calm, so whatever happened… We can deal with it.
“I’m going to call a nurse. We can get you checked over. Maybe get you some better pain meds, alright?” He says, brushing a strand of hair from my face with ridiculous gentleness. I nod again, too tired to argue. My eyes fall shut once more. I don’t know what happened. But Lukas says we’re safe and that’s enough for me.
The next time I wake up, I’m much less confused… And a lot more freaked out. The beeping is still there, the sterile smell, the weight in my chest that tells me I haven’t really processed anything yet. But then-
“Hey.” Lukas’s voice, warm and close. I turn my head, and there he is, sitting in the same chair, looking tired but calm, like he never left.
“You’re okay.” He says gently, reaching for my hand.
“Everything’s fine.” He assures me.
“Fine?” I echo, my voice still scratchy.
“What happened? We were in that warehouse… Solem was choking you… I tried to use magic and then… Nothing. Did Rowen get there in time? Is Wren okay? Have I really been out for three days?!” I ask all in a rush. Lukas smiles, soft and a little sheepish.
“Closer to five days now, actually. But yes, Rowen got there. Wren’s completely fine. He’s with Richard right now.” He explains. I exhale, sagging back against the pillow like someone pulled the plug on my tension.
“And Solem?” I ask, not even sure I want the answer. Lukas’s expression shifts. Calm and serious.
“He’s dead.” He says bluntly. I blink.
“Dead? Really?” I confirm. He nods.
“Rowen confirmed it.” He promises. There’s a long pause as that sinks in.
“Oh.” It’s all I can manage. Then I sigh, dragging a hand over my face.
“I feel like it’s wrong to be happy that someone died, but…” I trail off. Lukas half shrugs, squeezing my fingers.
“I get it. I don’t think it makes you a bad person to be glad he’s gone. He did a lot of damage. And he was going to keep doing more.” He agrees. I nod slowly.
“And the deals?” I ask.
“Gone.” He says.
“As far as anyone can tell. There’ve been some… Magical side effects. Residual stuff. But nothing binding. People are free.” He tells me with a hint of a smile.
“So…” I blink up at the ceiling, still not quite able to believe it.
“We’re good, then? Everything’s… okay?” I ask. He hesitates, just a little.
“Well… Mostly. There’s still a lot to sort out. Rowen’s having a hell of a time figuring out who was guilty and who was just caught in the wrong place. Especially with the demon magic gone, it’s hard to track anything. She’s called a few times to ask about you. I think she’ll want to stop by.” He adds. I nod along.
“Well. I guess that’s fair.” I try to keep my voice even.
“Has anyone else been by? Or has it just been you?” I ask kind of anxiously. I want to know if my brother came. Lukas’s smile turns a little smug.
“You’ve had a lot of guests, your brother included. I’ve turned them all away. You weren’t awake or ready for company.” He reasons. I blink at him.
“You’ve been… Guarding me?” I ask, almost incredulously.
“Protecting your peace.” He corrects lightly.
“When you’re feeling up to it, I’ll let people know.” He promises. A small smile curls at my lips.
“What about Roxy and Princess?” I ask, but I’m more curious than worried. Lukas wouldn’t have forgotten about them.
“I’ve been checking on them every time I go home to change or grab food.” He says with a smile.
“They’re both fine. Princess was angry, but she’s warmed up. She’s been sleeping in your bed like a little tyrant.” He assures me. That makes me snort.
“Sounds about right.” I laugh. Lukas pauses, then tilts his head.
“So… ARE you ready for visitors yet? I can pretend you’re still sleeping if you need a bit more time.” He offers, completely serious. I laugh softly.
“I think I’m okay. Visitors sound nice, actually.” I answer honestly.
“I’d really like to see Wren. If that’s possible.” I add. Lukas nods.
“I’ll pass that on. I’m sure you’ll have more company than you know what to do with.” He says optimistically. He gives my hand one more gentle squeeze before pulling out his phone to let everyone know. And for the first time in days, maybe weeks, I finally let myself believe it might be over. We might actually be okay.