**Chapter 4: The Shadows of Deception**

As Dr. Kim's words hung in the air, I felt a sense of unease growing inside me, like a seed taking root in fertile soil. Hange's dragon magic responded, its protective instincts on high alert, and I could sense its tension, like a coiled spring ready to unleash its fury. I glanced at him, and his eyes locked onto mine, a silent understanding passing between us. Dr. Kim's smile had faltered, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flash of fear in her eyes, like a fleeting glimpse of a wild animal caught in the headlights. But she quickly regained her composure, and her expression smoothed out into a mask of concern. "Let's focus on your recovery, Ari," she repeated, her voice a little too gentle, a little too soothing. But I was no longer willing to be placated. I was determined to uncover the truth, to peel back the layers of deception that seemed to shroud me. I took a deep breath, and my voice came out stronger than I expected. "I want to know what happened to me," I said, my eyes locked on Dr. Kim's. "I want to know who did this to me." Dr. Kim's eyes darted to Hange, and I sensed a flicker of uncertainty, like a crack in a stone wall. She seemed to be searching for something, a cue or a signal, and when she didn't find it, she turned back to me. "I'll tell you everything I can, Ari," she said, her voice hesitant, like a whispered secret. "But first, let's get you out of this hospital bed and into a more comfortable position." As she spoke, a team of nurses and medical staff entered the room, carrying a flurry of equipment and supplies. Hange's dragon magic grew more intense, its protective instincts on high alert, and I could sense its tension, like a live wire humming with electricity. I reached out, and Hange nuzzled my hand, his scales warm and reassuring. The medical staff began to work around me, adjusting my bed and attaching new machines to my body. I felt a sense of disorientation, like a ship caught in a storm, but Hange's presence was a steady anchor, holding me fast. As the staff worked, Dr. Kim stood back, watching me with an intensity that made my skin crawl. I tried to focus on the medical staff, to distract myself from Dr. Kim's gaze, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being manipulated, like a puppet on a string. The machines beeped and whirred, and the nurses chattered softly, but I felt like I was trapped in a nightmare, unable to wake up. As the medical staff finished their work, Dr. Kim stepped forward, a small notebook in her hand. "Let's start with what you remember, Ari," she said, her voice gentle, like a summer breeze. "Can you tell me anything about the events leading up to your injury?" I closed my eyes, trying to recall the fragmented memories that had been plaguing me. Images flashed through my mind, like snapshots in a photo album: a dark alleyway, a figure looming over me, a searing pain that had left me breathless. But as I tried to grasp the memories, they slipped away, like sand between my fingers. I opened my eyes, and Dr. Kim was watching me, her expression expectant. "I'm sorry," I said, feeling a sense of frustration, like a trapped animal. "I don't remember anything." Dr. Kim's expression didn't change, but I sensed a flicker of disappointment, like a candle flame flickering in the wind. "That's okay, Ari," she said, her voice soft, like a lullaby. "We'll work together to uncover the truth. But for now, let's focus on your recovery." As she spoke, I felt Hange's dragon magic stir, its protective instincts growing stronger. I glanced at him, and his eyes locked onto mine, a silent understanding passing between us. We would uncover the truth, together, no matter what it took. But as I looked at Dr. Kim, I couldn't shake the feeling that she was hiding something, that there were shadows lurking just out of sight, waiting to pounce. And I knew that I had to be careful, to tread carefully, for in this game of deception, the stakes were higher than I could ever imagine.