Novels by Softrythm

Reina/Ina Three days passed quickly at the hospital. During those days, I gradually felt my strength returning, but along with it came an overwhelming sense of embarrassment that I could barely hide. I was used to being in control of everything. But here at the hospital, even going to the bathroom and taking a bath required assistance from the nurse Zach had assigned to me. Whenever the nurse came in to wipe my body or help me walk to the bathroom, I could feel my face heating up with embarrassment. It was incredibly awkward for me to be this weak and dependent on someone else. “Good morning, Ina,” a familiar voice greeted me. I turned toward the door and saw Doc Zach walk in, holding my latest medical chart. He looked like he had just come from another long shift, but his posture remained as composed as ever. “Good news. Your stitches are healing well, and all your vital signs are stable,” he said with a smile. “You can be discharged today.” I let out a deep breath. I was final

Reina/Ina The next morning, the sun rose early, but it remained cold inside the ICU. I felt as though a little of my strength had returned. Although my shoulder and side still stung whenever I took a deep breath, I tried not to show any signs of weakness. I lay in bed, staring at the door as I waited. I knew that Alejandro’s contact from the Silver Team could arrive at any moment. At exactly eight in the morning, I heard the familiar sound of heavy footsteps in the hallway. The door opened, and Zach walked in for his morning rounds. Just like yesterday, he wore a white lab coat over his blue scrubs, standing straight and composed. He held a clipboard, and his stethoscope hung around his neck. “Good morning, Ina,” he greeted me as he approached my bed. He immediately checked the monitor to read my vital signs. “How are you feeling today? Do your stitches still hurt?” “I’m feeling a little better, Doc. It’s easier to breathe now,” I lied in my hoarse, gentle voice. He gave me a s

Reina/InaI needed to find out what was happening in Spain."Excuse me," I called softly to the nurse. "Could I borrow your phone? I just need to call someone... quickly."She hesitated for a moment, but perhaps she felt sorry for me because she eventually handed me her personal cellphone.I quickly dialed an international number I knew by heart—the secret line of Alejandro, the trusted Commander and right-hand man of House Monteverde in Spain.It rang several times before a familiar, deep voice answered."Hello? Who is this?""Alejandro... it's me. It's Reina," I whispered, keeping my voice low so the nurse wouldn't hear me. She was busy writing something on my chart.I heard Alejandro let out a sharp breath on the other end. His shock and fear were obvious."Reina! Dios mío, you're alive! We've been looking everywhere for you! The entire council in Spain is in chaos right now. Are you safe? Where are you?""I'm safe for now, Alejandro. I'm in a hospital," I answered quickly, brushin

Reina/InaMy stomach growled rather loudly.After everything I'd been through—the long run through the forest and all the blood I'd lost—my body had finally decided to complain about being hungry.Heat rushed to my face.God, this was embarrassing.Dr. Zachary paused for a moment before letting out a quiet laugh. His white teeth showed as he shook his head, still smiling."Well, looks like your digestive system is doing just fine, Ina. That's normal. You haven't had anything in your stomach for days."He placed his clipboard at the foot of my bed."Give me a minute. I'll get you some warm soup from the cafeteria. You can't have anything too heavy yet since you just woke up, so soup will do for now. It'll help warm you up, too."He left the room and returned a few minutes later with a bowl of hot soup and a glass of water. The smell alone was enough to make my stomach growl again.He pulled the small bedside table closer and carefully set the food on it. Then he looked at me, followed

Reina Cold. That was the first thing I noticed. Not the pain in my body, but the strange coldness slowly spreading through me. The last thing I remembered was lying on the road, clutching my shoulder and side, both soaked in my own blood. Then came a long, piercing beep. “Clear!” A powerful jolt of electricity shot through my chest. My body jerked, but I could barely feel anything. All I could register was the sudden, unbearable pain in my shoulder and side. They were trying to bring me back. “Charge to two hundred! One amp of epinephrine, now!” The voices around me sounded distant, as if they were coming from beneath deep water. I felt heavy hands pressing against my chest, pumping it again and again. But the strangest part was that I felt as though I were floating, suspended somewhere between life and death. I couldn't tell if I was still alive or if my body had already given up. “Come on. Stay with me!” Another voice cut through the noise. It sounded close

Reina I’d lost count of how many times I’d stumbled while trying to run through the dark forest. The cold rain hit my skin, mixing with the blood trickling from the wound in my shoulder. I winced when my injured shoulder brushed against a branch. My breathing was getting heavier, but the voices echoing in my head were even harder to bear. Tears slipped down my cheeks as I remembered my parents. “Run!” “Run, and don’t look back!” I stopped behind a large tree and squeezed my eyes shut, trying to hold back a sob. I was soaked from head to toe, my clothes clinging to my skin. Every movement of my left shoulder sent a sharp pain through my body. I could still hear their voices. It was as if I could turn around and see them standing there, guns in hand, protecting me. Mom had been right beside Dad, just as she always was. I lowered my head and braced my hands against my knees, struggling to catch my breath. My hands were trembling. I couldn’t tell if it was because of the cold or