~Elsie's POV
Before I could reply to the doctor properly, I heard movement beside me.
"Elsie." Salvatore's voice called out. It was low and controlled. I turned my head slowly, and there he was.
He was already sitting up straighter, his eyes fixed on me in a way that made my chest tighten for an entirely different reason. There was no distance in his gaze, no coldness like he usually carried when he wanted the world to stay exactly where he put it.
This was different.
This was… worry.
"How do you feel?" he asked, and although his tone was calm, I could see the tension in the way his fingers pressed into the edge of the bed, like he was holding himself back from doing something impulsive.
I swallowed, my throat dry, and forced myself to sit up just a little, ignoring the slight pull in my body.
"I'm okay," I said softly, although the words felt uncertain even to me.
His jaw tightened immediately.
