Chapter 63: Hanging in the Balance

*Layla*

I woke up to the steady beeping of machines and the sterile scent of a hospital room. As my eyes fluttered open, I squinted against the harsh lights, confusion and pain clouding my mind. How had I ended up here?

As my vision cleared, I noticed Anton sitting beside my bed, his face lined with worry. He leaned forward, gently taking my hand in his. 

"Layla, you're awake," he said softly, relief evident in his voice.

I tried to speak, but my throat felt dry and scratchy. Anton quickly brought a cup of water to my lips and I sipped gratefully. 

"What happened?" I managed to ask.

His expression grew somber. "You were badly injured, I brought you to the hospital."

Memories of the harrowing escape and Anton's timely rescue flooded back to me. I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to process everything that had happened. "How long have I been here?"

"A few hours," Anton replied. "The doctors have been monitoring you and the babies closely."