Blood Legacy

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/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/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