Ariana instantly abandoned any other thought and hurried to Theodore's ward.

When she reached his ward, she saw that he had indeed woken up, but his body was almost completely wrapped in bandages like a mummy in his tomb, unable to move.

When he saw Ariana enter, a sheepish expression appeared on his face, and he said self-mockingly, “When I woke up from being a vegetable last time, I didn't feel as embarrassed as I feel now.

Hearing Theodore's hoarse and weak voice brought hot tears to Ariana's eyes. She sniffled, “Does it hurt?"

Theodore snorted and wiggled his bandaged arms a little.

“Not that bad. Better than being dead, anyway. By the way, I just heard Lynch died in the explosion."

Ariana blinked, stunned.

She couldn't help but inwardly sigh with complicated emotions at the news about Lynch's death. But Lynch deserved death and didn't deserve any form of sympathy.

After regaining her composure, Ariana berated Theodore unhappily, "You just went through an operation, yet you got the news before me. Can't you have a good rest without having to worry about what others are up to?"

Theodore chuckled and patted the space on the bed beside him.

“Why are you standing? Come and sit here."

Ariana walked over slowly and sat down. She took Theodore's exposed arm and gently tucked it back under the warm quilt.

"No. It's hot." Theodore pouted and complained like a child, but one sharp look from Ariana immediately shut him up.

Ariana picked up an apple from the bedside table and began to peel it, chattering, "The doctor says you should get some rest for now. Don't focus on your work. Oh, and if you need anything, just let me know."

“What about you? Do you feel well?" Theodore asked.

Ariana paused and raised her eyes to look up at Theodore. Maybe it was because of the pain from his injuries that Theodore's handsome face looked haggard, which made his expression softer and less indifferent than usual.

It was because of this rare gentleness she saw in him that Ariana mustered the courage to sit close to him. She nodded her head and said, “I'm fine. It's my fault you got hurt so badly. He had planned to come after me."

“But you saved me, too," Theodore comforted Ariana in a soothing voice. He stretched out his fingers from under the quilt and touched Ariana's hand.

However, Ariana didn't seem to notice at all. Her eyebrows furrowed as she blamed herself.

“But you got hurt anyway. I really am useless. I couldn't do anything right. If Sarah hadn't asked Aziel to locate us because she couldn't reach me, we could be dead by now."