Chapter 3: Awakening to a New Reality

As Lady Aurelia's footsteps halted outside the hospital room, I sensed a moment of tension between her and Hange. The air was thick with unspoken words, and I could feel Hange's protectiveness radiating towards me like a shield. I was still blind, but my other senses were heightened, and I could pick up on the subtleties of the interaction. Lady Aurelia's voice was laced with a hint of curiosity, "I understand, dragon emperor. However, as her attending physician, it is my duty to ensure her well-being. May I at least speak with you about her condition?" Hange's grip on me relaxed slightly, and he seemed to consider Lady Aurelia's request. After a moment, he replied, "Very well. You may speak, but do not try to touch her or enter the room." I heard Lady Aurelia's gentle footsteps as she entered the room, and Hange shifted me slightly to accommodate her presence. Her voice was soft and professional as she began to discuss my condition, but I could sense a hint of fascination beneath her words. "The patient is responding well to treatment," Lady Aurelia said. "Her body is healing rapidly, and her vital signs are stable. However, I must admit that I've never seen anything like this before. The artificial womb, the accelerated healing process... it's almost as if she's being influenced by a powerful external factor." Hange's response was low and rumbling, "That factor is my love and care. I have been nurturing her back to health with my dragon magic." Lady Aurelia's tone was cautious, "I see. Well, in any case, it's clear that she's making remarkable progress. But I must ask, dragon emperor, what are your plans for her future care?" Hange's voice took on a possessive tone, "She will remain under my care. I will ensure her safety and well-being." As they spoke, I began to feel a sense of discomfort. Lady Aurelia's words were laced with a hint of curiosity, and I sensed that she was not entirely convinced by Hange's explanation. I wondered what she was thinking, what questions she had that she wasn't asking. As if sensing my unease, Hange's hand brushed against my face, his touch gentle and reassuring. "Do not worry, my love," he whispered. "I will protect you. You are safe with me." Lady Aurelia's voice broke into my thoughts, "I'll leave you to it, then. If there's anything I can do to assist, please don't hesitate to contact me." The sound of her footsteps receded, and the room fell silent once more. Hange's arms tightened around me, and I felt a sense of security wash over me. But as I lay there, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Lady Aurelia's visit than met the eye. What was she hiding? And what did she really want to know about my condition? As I pondered these questions, I became aware of a subtle change within myself. My senses were expanding, growing more acute, and I could feel a new awareness dawning. It was as if I was awakening to a new reality, one that was full of mysteries and challenges. Hange's voice whispered in my ear, "Soon, my love, you will see the world with new eyes. And when you do, I will be by your side, guiding and protecting you every step of the way." The warmth of his breath sent shivers down my spine, and I felt a surge of excitement at the prospect of exploring this new world with Hange by my side. But little did I know, our journey was only just beginning, and the challenges that lay ahead would test our love and resolve in ways we never could have imagined.