---- of sweat lining his brow as his chest heaved, fighting against the invisible tide.

But then, amidst the chaos, another voice broke through.

You're not dying.

You're stronger than this.

It was softer, trembling, filled with desperation.

A lifeline in the black abyss.

We will get through this.

Trust me.

The voice wrapped around him, pulling him toward the surface.

He could almost feel a presence, awarmnth battling against the cold void.

You promised me! The plea turned to a scream.

Open your eyes, dammit! You cant die on me! Open them, you asshole! With a shuddering gasp, Damien's eyes shot open Ilis chest heaved as if he had been dragged out of water, every breath a battle.

The sterile brightness of the room seared his retinas, and he blinked rapidly, ---- Chapter 485, his vision swimming with muted colors and unfamiliar shapes.

The world around him was a blur of white walls, the hum of machines, and the hurried rustling of people.

Pain surged through him like a wildfire, forcing him to focus.

He looked downand the sight gutted him.

His lefi leg was gone.

It ended just below the knee, wrapped tightly in bandages, but the empty space beyond it screamed louder than the agony in his body.

He tore his gaze away, his heart hammering against his ribcage.

Breathe, Damien.

Voices rose around him, urgent and panicked.

Commander is awake! Someone call the doctor! Commander, can you hear me? He barely registered the flurry of movement, his ears ringing as if submerged underwater.

He felt suffocated by the attention, the bodies crowding around him, the cacophony of questions and ---- instructions.

Get the fuck out of my face, Damien rasped, his voice hoarse but commanding enough to send the surrounding staff scattering.

Only one figure remainedScout.

Scout's face broke into a relieved smile, his normally guarded expression softened with uncharacteristic emotion.

Commander, Scout said quietly, stepping closer.

You're back.

Damien leaned back against the pillows, exhaustion pulling at him.

His face remained stoic, his eyes betraying nothing, but the weight of the past few days bore down on him like a lead cloak.

Alive.

He was alive.

Breathing.noveldrama

Heart beating.

His eyes steer up to Scouts and he nods.

Indeed.

Scout.

Did you miss me? ---- Chapter 486 Commander you got me shit scared.

Does it hurt anywhere.

Do you want the doctors to check- Scout, Damien rasped, his voice rough from disuse Ah yes sorry.

I am just so glad that you are back.

A glass of water.

My fucking throat feels like a sandpaper.

Yes, Right away.

Scout gets busy pouring water into the glass and sighs to take steady breaths.

He was Damien ju: back to safety.

Warmth has never felt so good before.

The horrors from that night still haunt him and he looks around to not find her anywhere.

Her.

The anchor that held him that night.

The persistent