elara

~Elara's pov~

I initially thought it would take me a few minutes to locate my boss, but to my surprise, he was right there at the entrance, anxiety etched across his face as he anxiously scanned the surroundings.

"Thank God, Elara," he said, his voice heavy with urgency, "the hospital has run out of blood supplies due to an influx of emergency cases, and my father urgently needs a transfusion." I could see the distress in his eyes, a mixture of worry and helplessness swirling within them.

"It's okay. I'm here now. Take me to him," I reassured him, my voice steady despite the tension in the air.

We hurried into the dimly lit room, where a nurse was already preparing the equipment. She greeted me with a calming smile and instructed me to lie back on the bed next to my boss's father. The familiar scent of antiseptic filled the room as she began connecting the IV lines to me. Luna, my steadfast friend, came to my side, her presence a comforting anchor. "You'll be fine," she whispered, brushing a strand of hair from my forehead. I watched as the crimson life force flowed from my veins into his, and fatigue began to wash over me. Deciding I could afford to relinquish a bit of my consciousness, I closed my eyes, allowing sleep to pull me into its embrace.

"Elara?" That voice—so familiar, so electric—made my heart race. I would recognize it from a mile away, from any distance, as it sent shivers down my spine. Damon! Before I could fully process his presence, he had crossed the space between us, enveloping me in a fierce hug that felt like home. I struggled to contain my emotions, but the tears slipped from my eyes, cascading down my cheeks.

"I hate seeing you cry, Elara, please don't," he murmured, his voice a soothing balm to my turmoil.

"Damon," I stuttered, my voice quivering amidst the sobs, "I'm so sorry! I left without saying a word. I didn't mean to, I just— I had to…"

"It's alright," he reassured me softly, his grip tightening around me. "I missed you. We all missed you." We remained locked in that embrace, time seeming to stand still, until an awkward cough broke the moment—Luna, clearing her throat as if to signal our return to reality.

"Oh, Luna, this is Damon, the one I told you about," I said, wiping my tears and regaining my composure.

"Ooh, hi, Damon!" she exclaimed, shaking his hand enthusiastically. "I've heard so much about you!"

"Nice to meet you, Luna. I've read about you," he replied, a warm smile illuminating his face.

"But Damon, what are you doing here?" I inquired, a spark of curiosity igniting in me, knowing he couldn't have possibly guessed my whereabouts.

"I'm actually here with Jared," he explained, glancing toward the door, "we came to discuss some business regarding Mr. Rowe, whom I'm surprised happens to be close to you seeing the IVF and you being at the hospital

At that moment, Jared stepped into the room, his expression one of surprise. "Elara? You've been here all this time?" When his gaze shifted to Luna, a collective gasp filled the air as their eyes met, shock and recognition blurring the lines of familiarity.

"You!?" they exclaimed simultaneously, their voices a perfect echo.

"Elara, she's the one I told you about," Luna said, her eyes sparkling with the thrill of connection. "The kind stranger."