His Hidden Treasure (Completed)

Forty-Seven

The weight of exhaustion weighed heavily on my eyelids as I struggled to open them. The sterile, bright lights in the room did little to help as I closed them again, seeking relief from their harsh glare. My senses were inundated with the constant beeping of a nearby machine, the cool press of a mask against my face, and the dull ache that seemed to permeate every inch of my body.

With effort, I slowly clenched and unclenched my fists, feeling the sharp sting of my nails digging into my palms. Next, I flexed my feet, curling my toes inward and savoring the slight release of tension in my muscles.

Turning my head gingerly to the side, I could feel the stiff hospital pillow beneath my cheek. The steady beep of the machine next to me had become a familiar song in my ears, almost comforting in its rhythm.

A soft sigh escaped my lips as I finally managed to open my eyes again. Keeping them half-lidded to shield them from the blinding lights above, I took in the blurry sight of the plain white ceiling above me. It took a moment for everything to come into focus, and when it did, I released another longer, heavier sigh.

Suddenly, reality hit me like a bolt of lightning and I sat up straighter, ignoring the shooting pain that reverberated through my body. Looking around frantically, I was immediately relieved to recognize the familiar surroundings of the room. I was back home.

As if sensing my distress, I heard a small noise from the corner of the room. Turning my head, I saw my brother sitting there, watching me with concern etched on his face. How long had he been there?

"Nikki," I said with overwhelming relief as he rolled up next to me. Ignoring the ache in my body, I reached out to embrace him tightly.

His arms came around me protectively, his warmth seeping into my chilled skin. I let out a shuddering breath, feeling safe in his embrace.

"Thank God, you're awake," he murmured, his voice trembling with relief but tinged with an underlying fear.

"I'm right here, Nikki," I whispered back. "I'm not going anywhere."

He held onto me tightly, as if afraid to let go. "You almost did, Nila. You almost left me," he said, the words heavy with emotion.

I had no response to that. He was right; I had nearly died. But I didn't.

"I'm sorry," I managed to say, my own voice choked with emotion.

"You scared us," Nikilan stated flatly, pulling back to look at me. His eyes were rimmed red and tear-stained cheeks were evidence of the fear and worry he had been carrying.

"We?" I asked, confused by his words.

"Zephyr and Luca..." Nikki began, but his words trailed off as the door creaked open. As if on cue, Zephyr and Luca walked into the room, their faces etched with relief upon seeing me awake.

Luca was the first to move. He strode forward and wrapped me in a tight hug, his relief palpable in every squeeze. "Oh, it's good to see you," he breathed shakily.

My eyes landed on Zephyr who stood by the foot of my bed. Though he tried to hide it, the relief was evident in his eyes as well.

"How are you feeling?" My brother asked gently, giving my hand a comforting squeeze.

"Sore, but I'll live," I replied with a shrug, shifting my body carefully.

Luca's hand found mine again and gave it another reassuring squeeze.

"Nolan, there's something I need to show you," Luca said, nodding at my brother to leave the room with him.

My brother's grumbling protest fell on deaf ears as Luca motioned for him to join him outside. I watched them go, leaving me alone with Zephyr.