Chapter 112: Veil of Deception

Mariana bolted upright in bed, gasping for breath. Her heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic drumbeat in the quiet room. Sweat clung to her skin, chilling her despite the warmth of the hospital sheets. The remnants of a vivid dream clung to her mind. Disoriented and shaken, she took a moment to ground herself, her gaze sweeping over the unfamiliar surroundings of the hospital room. As the memory of the dream faded, a wave of exhaustion washed over her. Sleep had offered little solace the night before, plagued by fragmented images and restless tossing. The morning sun peeked through the window, casting a pale glow across the room. Just then, the door creaked open, and a doctor entered, his clipboard clutched in his hand. "Good morning, Mariana," he greeted cheerfully. "How are we feeling today?" Mariana forced a smile. "A bit tired, Doc. Not the best night's sleep." The doctor made a sympathetic noise, his gaze lingering on her drawn face. "You look a little pale. Did you get