Chapter 219

Allison and the others rushed Kellan to the hospital, the weight of urgency pressing on everyone's shoulders. After what felt like an eternity, the surgeon emerged from the operating room with reassuring news: Kellan would be fine.

Despite this, Allison's heart remained heavy, her anxiety simmering beneath the surface. In life-or-death situations, survival instincts take over. She understood the monumental effort Kellan had made to conquer his own fears and step between her and the knife.

"Allison, try not to worry too much," Floyd said, attempting to ease her mind. "Mr. Lloyd's injuries have been addressed, and he'll wake up soon." Floyd's voice revealed a mix of surprise and concern; he hadn't expected Kellan to go to such lengths for her.

The police finished taking statements and nodded as they prepared to leave. "We've got a clear picture now. The kidnapper has been dealt with by the sniper. You all handled the situation well," one officer said, glancing at Allison's pale face. "But, given everything you've been through, I'd recommend speaking with a therapist. It might help with any lingering psychological effects."

"Okay," Allison replied, her voice flat. She felt numb inside, accustomed to the idea of death, yet still playing the part of the shocked victim for the authorities. Sensing her need for privacy, the officers excused themselves once their reports were finished. With Devin's death, the ordeal seemed over.

When Kellan finally opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was Allison, her head bent as she carefully peeled an apple. He tried to speak but found his throat too raw.

"You're awake," she said softly, handing him a glass of warm water. "Here, drink this." As she watched him sip, her mind drifted back to her return from the Burned Islands, wounded and feverish. Back then, it was Kellan who had cared for her, watching over her through her delirium.

"Thanks, Ms. Clarke," Kellan rasped, sitting up and adjusting the stiff hospital gown. "Has the police sorted everything out?"

"Yes, don't worry," she replied. "Devin's dead. He was shot." She felt a strange satisfaction knowing he had gotten what he deserved. Her eyes drifted to his legs, covered by the hospital blanket. The memory of his bloodied legs, the wounds he had inflicted on himself under Devin's twisted orders, was still fresh in her mind. She knew how serious his injuries had been.

Meeting his gaze, Allison couldn't hold back her thoughts. "Why did you choose to reveal your secret about your legs today? You've kept it hidden all this time, but now… You know that could cause trouble. And all over something so small."

Kellan's expression softened. "Allison, your safety is not small to me. And besides, I was tired of pretending. I couldn't keep up the charade forever. I'd been thinking about when to come clean, and today just felt… right."

His calm explanation left Allison with little room to argue. In hindsight, Kellan had felt it instinctively when he saw Devin cutting the rope with the knife. At that moment, he knew Devin was out of his mind and capable of anything. All Kellan could think about was keeping Allison safe.

"I get it," she murmured, handing him a slice of apple. "But Mr. Lloyd, you didn't have to put yourself in harm's way like that. Most people would have saved themselves first, but you threw yourself in front of me without a second thought." That kind of bravery—or perhaps recklessness—left her speechless.

The memory of blood pouring from his wounds haunted her. In that moment, she had been certain she was watching him die.