章 161: You’re Awake

Amara's eyes shot open, her mind spinning as fragments of her last conscious moments fought to make sense. That eerie vision of her "other self" flashed in her memory, that cold, calculating version of Amara the original who apparently wanted her old life back. Heart racing, she tried summoning the system. Hey, System, can we chat? Now would be great.

Silence.

Come on, don't ghost me now!

Nothing. Just the hum of the room around her.

Amara's eyes adjusted to the dim hospital lighting, and she finally took in her surroundings. An IV drip attached to her wrist, the muted beeps of a monitor, and… Wait. Is that Elara? She was seated by the bed, dozing off with her arms crossed, looking worn and… worried? Her brow was furrowed, even in sleep, and there was a hint of a frown on her lips.