238
~Rowan's POV
I couldn't believe my eyes. Damon was finally awake. After a week of hell, of watching him lie there barely breathing, barely holding on, the moment he opened his eyes felt like a miracle.
"Damon?" I whispered, kneeling by his side. My hand hovered over his shoulder, afraid to touch him in case he wasn't really awake.
Kael was there too, silent, tense, his eyes never leaving Damon.
"I'm here, brother," Kael muttered softly. "Stay with us."
Damon's eyes flickered around the room. He tried to speak, but nothing came out. His lips moved weakly, forming sounds that didn't reach words.
"He can't… talk," I said, my voice tight. Relief and fear twisted together in my chest. "But he's alive. He's really alive."
Kael nodded slowly. "That's all that matters for now. We'll get him talking soon."
I smiled faintly, letting a bit of hope bloom in me. For the first time in what felt like forever, I dared to breathe.
