Theodore, however, did not answer him and gestured for him to lower Ariana first.

Sensing his anxiety, the firefighter obliged, carefully attaching the rope to Ariana and guiding her down the fire ladder.

With relief washing over him upon witnessing the safe descent of Ariana, Theodore succumbed to the overwhelming exhaustion and collapsed into unconsciousness.

Later, in the early hours of the morning, the hospital bustled with activity.

“While the fire at Blue Night Manor spared any fatalities, numerous individuals suffered grave injuries as a result. The investigation into the cause of the fire remains ongoing—"

Ariana, her mind clouded and her senses dulled, caught fragments of a news broadcast and the murmurs of numerous voices.

Struggling to regain clarity, she opened her eyes and found herself staring blankly at the scene before her—she lay on a stretcher, a ventilator providing vital support to her fragile breathing. Thoughts of Theodore and the precious life growing within her womb surged, causing her breath to hasten. Overwhelmed by pain, tears cascaded from her eyes.

“The patient has low blood pressure and a fever—" The nurse's voice resonated nearby, breaking through the haze.

Then, a slender, icy hand pried Ariana's heavy eyelids apart, as if someone was assessing her physical condition.

“Conduct a comprehensive examination immediately and prepare for potential resuscitation," a voice commanded, perhaps that of a doctor.

Ariana strained to open her eyes fully, attempting to discern her surroundings. Yet, the figures remained blurry, their identities shrouded. One figure stood tall, engrossed in inspecting the medical equipment tethered to her body.

Ariana yearned to speak, but her voice emerged hoarse and feeble, unable to produce a sound. The cold hand returned, gently brushing her forehead. This time, the words uttered eluded her, the ringing in her ears growing louder.

Yet, she summoned all her strength to grasp the hand, desperation clinging to her trembling voice.

"Save—"

Ina soft, quivering tone, she managed to articulate a single word.

‘The person appeared oblivious to her plea, leaning closer and attentively listening.

“What do you want to say? Where does it hurt?”

Covering her belly with her other hand, Ariana winced, her words laced with agony.

“Save—save my child, and keep my pregnancy a secret from everyone—"_

With those words uttered, consciousness slipped away from her once more.