#Chapter 295: Bonds Never Broken

Ella’s POV I opened my eyes slowly. I couldn’t tell if the hospital room was brighter than I remembered or if I had slept through an entire day. Sunlight was streaming through the blinds and casting stripes across the white sheets. My throat felt like sandpaper when I swallowed. Groaning softly, I tried to sit up. But a hand gently pushed me back down. “Easy.” Alexander’s voice came from beside me, and I turned my head to see him sitting in a chair next to the bed. He looked like he’d been through hell. His face was bruised and cut, one eye swollen nearly shut. There was a bandage wrapped around his forehead, and his clothes were torn and stained with blood. But he was smiling at me. “You’re awake,” he said softly. He reached out and took my hand in his, lacing his fingers through mine. “Thank the Goddess.” “What… happened?” My voice came out hoarse and cracked. I swallowed and tried again. “I… I remember Richard, and Liam, and then—” “You flatlined,”