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A flicker of Hope.

Author: Censia
last update Last Updated: 2025-04-30 02:04:14

The air was suffocatingly still.

It had been thirty-seven hours.

Thirty-seven hours since Noel had walked into that room and refused to leave Vincenzo’s side.

Doctors had come and gone. Nurses whispered in corners. The rhythm of machines continued its haunting lullaby, every beep a breath stolen, every silence a cliffhanger.

Noel hadn’t moved.

Lucas had stabilized, resting in another room with Nico refusing to leave his side.

Aria had gone to get clean clothes and food. She cried when she hugged Noel but left quietly, promising she’d return soon.

But Noel...

He stayed.

He slept curled on the edge of the bed, his arms around Vincenzo’s waist, his cheek pressed lightly against the cold hospital gown.

He hadn't said a word since last night.

Not even to Isadora, who had come with a bowl of soup and a fresh change of clothes.

She stood by the door now, Leontis beside her, both of them silent.

"He's still not speaking?" Leontis asked quietly.

Isadora nodded. "He's holding it all in."

Leonti
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