Twisted Chances

26. Niko (edited)

I couldn't keep still. My steps were frantic, pacing back and forth in front of the emergency room, hands trembling like fragile glass, mind spiraling with every second that passed. Every memory of Nia's unconscious body flashed through me, relentless and sharp.

Flashback:

The sight of her lying there, helpless, sprawled on the floor under that criminal's shadow, was a blow I wasn't prepared for. My blood ran ice cold. Every nerve in my body screamed at me. An hour ago, the world had collapsed into chaos and red.

Tracking her phone had been our only lifeline. Eithan had been there, of all times, in Paris for business, and he didn't hold back. His shouts pierced my mind, scolding, desperate—his love for Nia plain as day. And I understood. She wasn't just his sister. She was precious. As precious to him as she was to me.

The gate was a fortress, the door to her life—or death. When the police broke it down, I saw her. Saw the blood. Saw her fragile, beautiful body on the floor. And... I froze.

I couldn't move. My legs betrayed me, as if cemented to the ground, and my mind screamed in fury and panic. My chest burned, my hands shook. I wanted to throw myself at her, shield her, hold her close—but I couldn't. I'd never seen so much blood, so much chaos, so much life hanging by a thread. My vision blurred with panic.

It was only Eithan's voice—sharp, insistent—cutting through the fog that snapped me back. "Niko!"

And I moved. Finally, I moved. I scooped her into my arms, feeling the terrifying fragility of her body against mine. Every heartbeat, every small breath was a reminder of what was at stake. The car ride to the hospital was a blur—lights, sirens, my own erratic heartbeat pounding in my ears, a silent promise to keep her safe at any cost.

End flashback:

The doctor appeared, clipboard in hand, a calm presence amidst the storm of my thoughts. "Who are the guardians of Nia Harper?"

Eithan stepped forward, composed as ever. "I am her brother," he replied.

"She is fine now," the doctor said, voice steady but layered with gravity. "She's out of danger. She's been given a sleeping pill to help her rest after all the trauma. You may visit her, but please, no disturbances. And I need to speak with her brother privately for a moment."

Eithan nodded, excusing me with a nod. His presence was grounding, yet I felt like I'd been holding my breath for an eternity as he entered the room. When he emerged, I took my place without hesitation, ready to be near her, to witness her alive and breathing.

The room smelled faintly of antiseptic and reassurance, all white walls and blipping machines. Each beep, each rhythm of the monitors, was a lifeline—a reminder that she was still here. My chest loosened slightly as I stepped closer to her.

There she was. My sweetheart. My chaos and my calm. Her hair spilled like silk across the pillow, delicate strands brushing against her cheeks. I reached up, my hand trembling, and brushed them gently away. The touch was tender, reverent—afraid to hurt her even in the slightest.

Her fingers twitched against mine. I interlaced them with my own, holding them as if letting go for even a second might cost me everything. Silent tears traced down my face, unbidden, unchecked. I hadn't realized how much of this fear, this guilt, I'd been carrying until now.

If only I had been faster. If only I had been there. If only... I shivered at the thought, a deep ache settling in my chest. She shouldn't be here, silent and vulnerable, because of me. My failure clawed at my soul.

I whispered to her, though I knew she couldn't hear me, my voice trembling and raw: "I'm so sorry, Nia... I should have protected you. I should have been there."

Her chest rose and fell in slow, steady breaths, and somehow that was enough to anchor me. I leaned closer, resting my forehead lightly against hers, relishing the faint warmth that radiated even through her unconscious state. Her skin smelled faintly of herself, of home, of life—and I inhaled it like I might never get another chance.

Time slipped away in that white room. The monitors, the machines, the antiseptic, all disappeared, leaving only her and me. Fingers entwined, hands gentle and protective, tears falling freely now. I held her closer in my mind, promising silently, fiercely, that I would never allow this again. That no one—no one—would ever hurt her while I could stop it.

A soft breath escaped her lips, almost imperceptible, and I felt my chest unclench. Alive. Still here. My heart pounded with relief so intense it hurt.

I whispered again, my voice cracking with the weight of every emotion I'd swallowed until now: "I've got you. Always. I will never let anything happen to you, Nia. Never again. I swear it."

I stayed there, holding her hand, tracing her features with my fingertips, letting the silence of the room be filled with my presence, my protection, my love. For the first time since the chaos, I allowed myself to hope. To breathe. To imagine a future where she was safe in my arms, where no one could ever tear her away from me.

And for those quiet minutes, as her chest rose and fell, as her small, unconscious movements reassured me, I vowed one thing: that my life, every choice, every heartbeat, would belong to her. My warrior. My chaos. My love. My Nia.

(A/N: HI GUYSSSS!! HOW ARE Y'ALL??
So this is the most I could be sneaky enough and my wattpad causing a problem also held me back from writing for a long time.

I am sooo sorry for this short chapter after making everyone of you wait for so long T-T
But I'll try to upload more often.
Pls be there with me loves...

PLEASE LEAVE A VOTE AND COMMENT TO LET ME KNOW IF Y'ALL LIKED IT OR NOT)