Chapter Thirty Three

Christian's eyelids fluttered as he gradually emerged from the depths of unconsciousness. The sterile white walls of the hospital room came into focus, and he felt the weight of his body against the soft hospital bed. A dull ache pulsed through his body, a constant reminder of the ordeal he had just been through.

As his gaze wandered around the room, Christian's eyes locked onto Ryke, who stood at the door with a mixture of relief and concern etched on his face. A small, genuine smile lifted the corners of Christian's lips, despite the exhaustion that clung to him. "You must have really missed me," he quipped, attempting to inject a touch of humor into the tense atmosphere.

Ryke's expression remained unreadable for a moment, but then he took a step forward, the relief in his eyes slowly becoming more apparent. "You have no idea," Ryke replied softly, his voice tinged with emotion. He approached the bed, the worry still evident in his movements, but trying to keep a composed demeanor.