Beyond The Lie

Chapter 70: A New Beginning

Adeline.

"What's going on with Ryker?" I asked, concern etched on my face.

"Accident," Eryx replied curtly, hastily dressing.

"Oh no! I'm coming with you!" I exclaimed.

Eryx tossed me my clothes, and I quickly got dressed. We sped to the hospital in Eryx's SUV.

***

We rushed through the hospital corridors, Eryx's long strides forcing me to hurry to keep up. We reached the reception desk, and Eryx asked about Ryker's location.

"Room 217," the nurse replied with a smile.

We took the elevator to the second floor and quickly found Room 217. Eryx pushed open the door, and we stepped inside.

Ryker lay on the bed, looking a bit battered but otherwise okay. He had a bandage on his forehead and a few scrapes on his cheeks.

"Hey, man," Ryker said, trying to smile. Eryx's expression softened as he approached the bed. "What happened?" he asked, his voice low and concerned.

Ryker winced, gingerly touching his bandaged forehead. "I'm not entirely sure. I was driving home, and then...I don't know, a car hit me, I think." I stepped forward, examining Ryker's injuries. "You're lucky to be alive," I said, trying to keep my voice light.

Asher walked into the room, his expression serious. Eryx immediately asked, "Did you get any details about what happened?" Asher's jaw clenched. "It was a group of teenagers. They were drunk."

Eryx's eyes narrowed, and he cursed under his breath. "We should let their parents know about this," Eryx said, his voice tight with anger. But Ryker shook his head. "I don't know, guys. I'm just glad I'm okay. Maybe we should just let it go?"

Eryx's gaze lingered on Ryker's face, his expression skeptical. "You sure about that, Ryker? Those kids could have killed you." Ryker hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah, I'm sure. I just want to put it behind me."

Eryx's eyes narrowed, but he didn't push the issue further. "I'll take you home," he said softly to me.

But I shook my head. "No, I can call Liv or Soph."

Eryx's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled gently. "Are you sure?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I'm positive."

I pulled out my phone and tried calling Liv, but she didn't answer. I sighed and dialed Soph's number instead.

"Hey, girl," Soph answered on the first ring.

"Hey, Soph. I need a ride home. Can you come get me?" I asked.

"Of course, where are you?" Soph replied.

I glanced at Eryx, who was still looking at me with a concerned expression. "I'm at the hospital. Ryker was in an accident."

"I'll be right there," Soph said, and I could hear the concern in her voice.

I hung up and smiled at Eryx. "Soph's coming to get me."

Eryx nodded, his eyes still soft with concern. "Okay."

***

We all settled into Ryker's hospital room, still buzzing from the earlier chaos. I turned to Asher, shaking my head. "How is that prank funny? Seriously?"

Asher just grinned. "We got you good, that's all that matters. It's hilarious!" Eryx and Ryker chuckled in agreement, and I rolled my eyes good-naturedly.

I shot Ryker a teasing glance. "I thought at least you had some sense, unlike these two."

Ryker laughed. "Trust me, Asher's been torturing me for years."