Chapter 40

Ramsey's POV

Astra was placed in a makeshift stretcher and taken upstairs to her room. I followed the guards' every move with hawk's eyes, not relaxing until she was safe on the bed.

Her still form lay on the bed, and my heart clenched in agony. Every second without her consciousness felt like an eternity. I couldn't fathom a world where she wasn't by my side. I refused to leave her, even when the doctor arrived later.

His words were a blur, drowned out by the thundering worry in my chest. I watched as he hurried to her side and began checking her vitals. I held on to her, scared that if I let go, I might be letting go forever.

I heard the door open again, and my mother stepped in. I could see a mask of worry on her face, but I knew it was just that—nothing but a mask.

"Oh, Goddess!" She wailed. "Just look at the sight of her. That fall from the stairs must have been fatal!"

Her presence in the room did nothing but add to the tension in my heart. To me her concern felt false, as if s