Aria's POV
The rain had turned thin and gray—more mist than storm—and the whole city looked washed out and tired. Aiden drove in silence, one hand on the wheel, the other wrapped around mine. He didn't let go once.
When we reached Thomas's floor, the atmosphere felt different from yesterday. Quieter. Tighter. Like everyone in the hall was holding their breath around bad news.
Grace was standing outside the room. The moment she saw us, her eyes widened, and relief crashed over her face so openly that I almost pitied her.
"Aiden. Aria."
"What happened?" I asked.
Grace swallowed. "The doctors found another lesion this morning. They still want surgery, but now they're worried about the delay."
Aiden's face hardened, but he didn't speak.
Grace looked between us and low
