050

Hazel fluttered her eyes open, a gasp escaping her lips as she stirred to rise. She glanced around and found pairs of concerned eyes fixed on her. The memories of her recent ordeal flooded back, leaving her acutely aware that she wasn't in a normal state and these people weren't exactly helping her feel at ease.

"How are you feeling?" Zain's voice broke through the haze, his hand gently resting on Hazel's. Without a word, Hazel first examined his touch, then glanced down at her own hand, which appeared normal now, devoid of any blood stains or scratches. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked back at Zain, clinging to him as if he were her last lifeline in this darkness threatening to consume her.

"Zain..." she whispered his name.

"Don't be afraid; I'm right here," he reassured her, enveloping her in a comforting embrace. It was the first time she had leaned into his shoulder, allowing herself to be embraced by him, finding comfort in his presence. In that moment, she allowed hers