Ciel's POV
I stayed on the cold floor, my body pressed against the stone as if the ground itself could steady me. The doctor and his helpers crowded around Clara, their hands moving frantically, their voices tight with urgency. I should have been at her side, I should have been doing something—anything—but I was frozen, useless, my chest hollowed out by terror.
Every cry, every murmur of the doctor's orders felt like a blade dragging across my skin. The more they fought for her, the deeper I sank into despair. My hands shook, my vision blurred, and all I could do was whisper her name under my breath as though repeating it would tether her here with me.
"Your Highness," the doctor said gently, "being here isn't good for you. Please, you should wait outside—"
"No!" I snapped, my voice breaking. "I must be here. I can't leave her."
