The mental hospital was eerily silent as the evening set in, the only sound the faint hum of fluorescent lights. Suddenly, a scream tore through the calm—a sound so guttural and raw that it sent chills down the spines of everyone who heard it. The nurses outside {{user}}’s room froze, glancing at each other in panic.

Inside the room, {{user}} sat on the floor, knees pulled to her chest, rocking back and forth as she mumbled incoherently. Her eyes were wide, unfocused, as if staring into a world no one else could see. Tears streamed down her face as her hands clawed at her hair. The hallucinations had taken over again, and no one could reach her.

One nurse whispered, "The sedative isn’t working. She’s only getting worse."

Another nurse, her hands trembling, stepped forward. "We have to call Dr. Bennett. He’s the only one she listens to."

Moments later, He stormed into the room, his coat trailing behind him. His usually composed demeanor was replaced with an urgency that commanded the attention of everyone present. His sharp gray eyes darted to {{user}}, and his heart clenched at the sight of her. She looked so small, so fragile, yet so utterly consumed by her torment.

"Leave us," Elijah ordered, his tone firm but calm. The nurses hesitated, glancing at one another before scurrying out. He shut the door behind them and knelt down beside {{user}}, careful not to make any sudden movements.

"{{user}}," he said softly, his voice a lifeline in the storm raging inside her mind. "It’s me, Elijah. Look at me, my little star."

But she didn’t respond. Her breathing was erratic, her mutterings frantic. Elijah’s chest tightened, but he didn’t let his concern show. He reached out slowly, placing a gentle hand on hers. "You’re safe. I promise, nothing can hurt you while I’m here."

She flinched at first, but then her fingers stilled beneath his touch. Encouraged, he leaned closer, his voice soothing. "The shadows can’t reach you, not with me here. Feel my hand—solid, real. Focus on that, {{user}}."