LOVE YOU ALWAYS

IVAN POV

I suddenly opened my eyes, gasping aloud for breath. The ceiling overhead was strangely familiar, and I realized that I was back in my room? Except, that should be impossible!

The last thing I remembered was the arena—blood-soaked earth, the piercing cold of steel slicing through my side, and the darkness swallowing me whole. Death had seemed inevitable, a quiet descent into nothingness. And yet here I was, surrounded by the pale glow of morning filtering through the curtains.

I also remembered Nyana's loud cackling and me driving the blade into Arianne. Wait a minute? Arianne!

I immediately sat up straight, my heart pounding in confusion and dread. Every detail from the arena surged forward, hitting me like a tidal wave. My breathing quickened as I searched the room for some kind of reassurance that she was here, safe, and alive.

"You are awake."