Elena's POV
The warmth of Seraphina's hug made me smile softly.
Sometimes, I wondered how I got so lucky to have a friend like her. Even after everything that had happened around us, she still came to see me. She still cared for me like family would.
She slowly pulled away from the hug and looked at me carefully.
"How are you feeling?" she asked softly. "Are you still in pain?"
I shook my head lightly. "I'm okay."
"Are you sure?" she pressed gently. "If you feel weak or tired, tell the doctors immediately. Don't hide it."
I laughed quietly.
"I'm serious, Elena," she continued. "The medical team is here to take care of you."
"I know," I said with another small laugh. "You worry too much."
Seraphina sighed softly and sat beside me.
"How can I not worry?" she asked quietly. "Both you and Hazel are lying in hospital beds."
Her voice lowered slightly.
"Yes, both of you are alive but…" she paused and looked away briefly. "It still scares me."
Guilt and sadness hit me at once.
I slowly reached for her hands and squeezed them gently.
"We're going to be okay," I assured her softly. "Both of us."
Her eyes became teary almost immediately.
Before I could say anything else, she leaned forward and hugged me again tightly.
"Take care of yourself," she whispered emotionally. "You have people who love you."
I smiled softly and patted her back gently.
Then, wanting to lighten the mood, I pulled away slightly and looked at her.
"So…" I said slowly. "Tell me about the wedding preparations."
Almost immediately, her entire face brightened.
Excitement replaced the sadness in her eyes.
"Oh my God," she said excitedly. "You should see the theme we picked."
I laughed as she began talking happily.
She told me about the decorations, the colors, the flowers, the food menu, and even the chefs they hired. Then she started talking about performers, musicians, and the wedding location itself.
Her eyes sparkled the entire time, and seeing her happy made me happy too.
*
Almost ten minutes passed before I realized something felt wrong. My body suddenly felt freezing cold.
I wrapped my arms around myself slowly and rubbed them together.
Seraphina noticed immediately.
"Elena?" she called softly. "Are you cold?"
I nodded slightly.
"I brought hot beverages," she said quickly. "Wait."
I smiled weakly.
"That actually sounds really nice."
She carefully poured a cup for me, taking her time while the warm aroma slowly filled the room.
"Here," she said gently.
"Thank you," I replied gratefully as I accepted it.
But the moment the aroma reached my nose fully, something inside me reacted violently.
A sudden shiver ran through my body.
Then…
"Ahh-choo!"
A violent sneeze escaped me suddenly.
The cup slipped from my hands instantly and the hot tea splashed against my skin.
A sharp pain shot through me, and I winced as the cup fell to the floor with a loud crash.
"Elena!" Seraphina gasped.
I could hear her apologizing, but my body wouldn't stop trembling.
Then suddenly, strong arms wrapped around me, pulling me into a warm embrace.
I stiffened slightly before slowly opening my eyes.
It was Alexander. He held me close against his chest, his arms wrapped carefully around me while worry filled his eyes.
"Elena," he said tenderly.
And for the first time since the tea spilled on me…
I felt safe again.