Page 85 of The Shadow King's Brother

A shaky laugh escapes him—a thin sound in the sterile hum of machines.

He cups my face again, thumbs tracing my cheekbones. The warmth of his skin...

It’s real.

He’s here. I’m here.

It’s all real.

A faint smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. I try to return it, but—

My side burns like fire.

I bite down on my lip, swallowing the ache, trying to stay present.

“You’re in pain,” Elio says, his brow knotting with concern.

“I’m fine,” I murmur. “What happened? Eddie? Is Celeste okay?”

His expression darkens, eyes flicking away before finding mine again. “Eddie’s dead. Celeste and Maria are safe.”

I exhale slowly, relief pouring through me like warm rain.

“You killed him?” I ask.

He hesitates. “Well… Vinny did.”

I blink. “Vinny?Vinnysaved us?”

Elio nods, the corner of his mouth twitching—somewhere between a smirk and a grimace. “Hard to believe, right?”

I stare at him in disbelief. Of all people…Vinny?

Before I can process that, the door opens with a soft creak. A doctor steps in, smiling as she approaches the bed. Her white coat rustles gently as she checks the monitors.

“How are we feeling, Miss Galli?” she asks, adjusting the IV with practiced ease.

I nod slowly, taking stock of everything. “Tired. Everything hurts.”

She chuckles lightly. “That’s to be expected. You’re recovering from a serious poisoning, but you’re stable now. Just a few more days of monitoring, and if all goes well, you’ll be out of here soon.”

I nod again, but my thoughts are scattered, my body heavy.

Elio’s hand tightens around mine, anchoring me.

“You’re doing good,” he whispers.

I don’t even realize I’ve been holding my breath until I let it out in a long, shaky sigh. “I’m glad you’re here,” I murmur.

“Where the fuck else would I be?”

The doctor nods to Elio. “She’s doing well. You can help her sit up if she’s ready. I’ll check on you later.”

She leaves, and Elio immediately moves to help me sit up. His arms are strong, careful, holding me steady as the world tilts for a moment. My head spins, but he never lets go.

Then he kneels in front of me, something intense in his gaze. I blink at him, still foggy, confusion dancing at the edges of my mind.

“I never did this properly,” he says.

---