522: I'M OKAY

ARIEL'S POV The sound of Luke's gasp was like a life raft in the ocean of fear that had engulfed me. When his eyes fluttered open, I collapsed against his chest, relief flooding through me. "Luke," I whispered, my voice hoarse with emotion. "Luke, you're awake. You're okay." He looked around, disoriented and confused, then slowly lifted his hand to touch my face. "You're here," he murmured. "You're really here." "Of course I am," I replied, my voice cracking with tears. "I'm not leaving you, ever." He sighed. "I thought you weren't going to come back after what happened. Ariel, I'm sorry for what I did." I placed my hand on his cheek. "It's okay, Luke. It's alright. I forgive you. You did a lot for me. You saved me from death, and that's enough reason for me to be grateful." Luke smiled at me. "Aww, thanks." I smiled back, but I promptly feigned a serious expression. "But don't you do that shit ever again?" I playfully poked his chest. Luke laughed softly, hi