Lysandre's voice echoed down the hall as he searched for Aelion. "Aelion, where are you?" "In here," she croaked, her voice shaking as she held up a shaky hand, the glow of her fingers illuminating the dark hallway. Lysandre rushed to her side, his eyes widening at the sight of her bruises and bloodied wrists. "Oh my god, what happened? Are you alright?" Aelion's eyes filled with tears as she whispered, "Please, just get me out of here."

Lysandre knelt and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It’s okay, i'm right here. Let’s get you to the hospital." Aelion slowly pushed herself up, wincing as her bruised body protested. "Alright, I think I can walk," she said, her voice steadier than she felt. However, as she took a step, her knees buckled, and Lysandre quickly lifted her into his arms, carrying her to the car. As he drove, Lysandre's eyes remained fixed on the road, his jaw set in a firm line. "Hey, what did he do to you?" Aelion looked out the window, her voice soft. "I don't know, Lysandre. It's all a blur." Lysandre's jaw clenched, his hands tightening on the steering wheel. "Alright, we'll figure this out. But first, we need to make sure you're taken care of."

At the hospital, Lysandre carried Aelion inside, his eyes never leaving her face. A nurse took her vital signs and wheeled her into a room, where she was helped into a hospital gown and given a bed. Aelion lay there, her fingers and wrists bandaged, her body aching. "You should go home and get some rest, Lysandre. I'll call you when I'm ready to leave." Lysandre shook his head, his eyes determined. "No, I'm staying. You're my friend, and I'm not leaving your side."

Aelion's eyes softened at his words, and she nodded, grateful for his unwavering support. The nurse brought in a tray of food, which Aelion pushed away, her appetite nonexistent. Lysandre noticed her reluctance and asked, "Aelion, you need to eat. You look exhausted." Aelion bit her lip, her eyes downcast. "Can I be selfish and ask for something else?" Lysandre smiled softly, his voice gentle. "Of course, anything. What can I get for you?" Aelion's eyes lit up, and she asked, "Can I have some gummi fruit from the vending machine? And maybe something to drink?" Lysandre laughed, a warm sound that filled the room. "Of course, I'll get you your favorites. Any other requests?" Aelion smiled weakly, her eyes closing for a moment. "Just some rest, I think."

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As Lysandre left to fulfill her requests, the doctor entered the room, her expression concerned. "Hello, Miss. I'm Dr. Althea. How are you feeling?" Aelion's eyes flickered to her bruised body, her voice quiet. "I'm fine." Dr. Althea's eyes narrowed, and she asked, "Your friend said you were attacked. Can you tell me what happened?" Aelion felt the tears welling in her eyes as she explained, her voice breaking as she described Vorrik's drunken state and the assault. When she finished, the doctor asked a few more questions and offered her words of comfort. "I can prescribe some pain medication to help with the bruising and broken bones. However, I am concerned about the pregnancy." Aelion's eyes widened, and she touched her stomach gently. "S-so I am?"

The doctor nodded, her expression sympathetic. "Based on your bloodwork, you're approximately four months along. I'm sorry, I know this is a lot to process." Aelion's breath hitched, and she whispered, "I've been glowing for weeks, and I thought it was because of the underwater potion I took in Aquara... and now..." The doctor adjusted her glasses, her eyes kind. "Well, that could be a symptom specific to your Luminae heritage. Have you experienced any other unusual symptoms?" Aelion nodded, her voice soft. "Tiredness, headaches, feeling flushed sometimes. No morning sickness, though..."

The doctor made a note on her clipboard, her voice reassuring. "The stress could be causing those symptoms. Now, about the pregnancy. The fetus is strong, with a good heart rate, but I am concerned about the trauma you've endured." Aelion's eyes widened, her fingers touching her abdomen gently. "What does that mean, exactly?" The doctor's expression grew somber. "You were brought in critical condition. Your wrists and hands are broken, and you have bruising all over your body. There is a possibility that you could lose the baby." Aelion's tears fell, her body shaking as she processed the doctor’s words. "I-I see," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

The doctor's voice was gentle, her eyes filled with compassion. "I'm so sorry, Miss. I'll do everything I can to help, but for now, rest is crucial. If there are any changes or concerns, please don't hesitate to call." Aelion nodded, her eyes downcast as the doctor left the room. The nurse followed, offering her a cup of water and a pain pill, which she accepted gratefully. "You should rest," the nurse said softly, her voice warm. "Here, take this pill, and try to get some sleep."

Aelion nodded, her eyes closing as she swallowed the pill. She lay back, her body aching, her mind swirling with questions and concerns. As sleep claimed her, her dreams were filled with fragmented memories of Vorrik, his face a mix of anger and desire.