As Ahicia extended her trembling hand toward Damian, her body suddenly gave out. Her crimson eyes fluttered closed, and she collapsed forward, unconscious. Damian reacted instantly, catching her limp form in his arms before she could fall.
"Ahicia!" he called, his voice laced with panic. His golden eyes scanned her pale face, her lips tinged with a faint blue from the cold. He leaned down, his ear hovering near her mouth, relieved to hear the faint sound of her breath.
Turning sharply toward the hallway, Damian's voice thundered. "Someone get the family doctor! Now!"
The maids scattered, their hurried footsteps echoing down the halls. Damian cradled Ahicia closer to his chest, his jaw tight as he felt the coldness radiating from her body.
Moments later, a tall man with sharp gray eyes and a medical bag in hand strode into the room. Dr. Eryndel, the family's trusted physician, was known for his composure under pressure.
"Put her down," Dr. Eryndel instructed, motioning toward the nearby chaise lounge. Damian carefully laid Ahicia down, his hand lingering on hers.
The doctor worked swiftly, checking Ahicia's vitals with practiced precision. Damian watched every move intently, his worry etched clearly on his face.
Behind them, Anara stood near the doorway, her arms crossed as she bit her nails in frustration. Her green eyes narrowed as she saw how closely Ahicia clung to Damian even in her unconscious state.
"She's freezing," Dr. Eryndel murmured, wrapping a blanket around Ahicia's frail form. He turned to Damian with a grave expression. "She's stressed, Damian. Severely so. Her body and mind are at their limits."
Damian's eyes darkened, guilt washing over him. "What can I do?" he asked, his voice steady but heavy with concern.
"For starters," Dr. Eryndel said, standing straight, "you need to be with her often. She feels abandoned, and that's a dangerous state for someone in her condition. Take her out, distract her, and ensure she doesn't dwell on her thoughts. If she spirals further, the consequences could be dire—potentially fatal."
Damian clenched his fists but nodded, his determination firm.
"I'll also prescribe medication," the doctor continued. "She must take it daily without fail. Missing even a single dose could have serious consequences."
"Understood," Damian replied.
Dr. Eryndel packed his bag and rested a hand on Damian's shoulder. "She's lucky to have you. Don't let her down."
With that, the doctor left the room, leaving Damian alone with Ahicia. The silence felt heavy as Damian pulled a chair closer to the chaise lounge. His golden eyes softened as he looked down at her pale face, his hand brushing a stray strand of hair from her forehead.
"You're stronger than this," he murmured, his voice low. "But if you can't fight for yourself, I'll fight for you."
Damian sat by her side, vowing silently that he wouldn't let her fall again—not on his watch.