Her hands subconsciously tightened into fists.

Even though she had spoken those words in a state of distress, she was burdened with a touch of remorse.

She regretted saying them.

Her heart began to soften. Ariana wanted to return to Theodore, but a sharp sting from her ankle disrupted her thoughts. She drew a deep breath, grounding herself back in reality. She remembered that there was another person beside her.

Lifting her head slightly, she saw Mitchel half-kneeling before her, examining her injuries.