Ares crossed the room in long, urgent strides, his pulse roaring in his ears. He didn't spare Yannis a glance as he pushed past him, all focus locked on the still figure on the bed.
"Move," he muttered, already bending. His hands slid beneath Lara with practiced strength, but there was an unfamiliar care in the way he lifted her—as though she might shatter if he held her too tightly.
"Get the car ready," he barked, voice sharp with rising panic. "We're going to the hospital."
But before he could turn, a small pair of arms wrapped desperately around Lara's limp body.
Shay.
She clung to her with all the strength her tiny frame could muster, her sobs breaking through the tense air like glass.
"Mommy… please wake up," she cried, her voice trembling and raw. Tears streamed down her cheeks, falling freely onto Lara's pale face. "Don't scare me like this… Mommy, please…"
