Blood started to ooze from the wound , dripping onto the polished wood of the piano . The man's laughter was chilling , echoing through the room . " This is your retribution for being Leo's Luna , " he sneered , his voice dripping with malice . I was in shock , my mind struggling to process what was happening . Before I could react further , Rolin burst into the room , his face a mask of worry and fury . He took in the scene in an instant , his eyes blazing as he saw the man's menacing stance . " Get away from her ! " Rolin shouted , his voice filled with a protective rage . The attacker , realizing he was cornered , made a desperate leap for the window . He crashed through the glass and vanished into the night , leaving a trail of shattered glass and blood in his wake . Rolin rushed to my side , his expression softening as he took in my injured hand . " Elizabeth , are you alright ? " he asked urgently , his voice tight with concern . I could barely speak through the pain . " I'll be okay , " I managed to say , my voice trembling . " But who was that man ? Why would he do this ? " Rolin's face hardened , his eyes filled with a grim determination . " It seems the past is catching up with us faster than I anticipated . I need to call the authorities , but first , let's get you to a hospital . " As he helped me to my feet , the room spun slightly , the pain in my hand throbbing with each heartbeat . The attack was a brutal reminder that my new life was still haunted by the shadows of my past . Leo's world and the dangers that came with it were not as far behind me as I had hoped . At the hospital , the doctors worked quickly to tend to my injuries . The damage wasn't as severe as it could have been , but it would still take time for my hand to heal fully , Rolin stayed by my side , his presence a comforting anchor amidst the chaos . " Thank you , Rolin , " I whispered , my voice heavy with gratitude . " I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't shown up . " He squeezed my good hand gently , his eyes intense . " You're not alone , Elizabeth . We'll get through this together . And don't worry , I'll make sure you're safe . No one will harm you again . " As the painkillers began to take effect , I closed my eyes , my mind swirling with thoughts of Leo , the masked attacker , and the unfinished melody that still lingered in the air of the piano room . The road ahead seemed uncertain , but with Rolin's support and the promise of my music , I felt a glimmer of hope . At the hospital , the medical team quickly prepared me for surgery . The anesthesia seeped in , and I drifted into unconsciousness , the pain and chaos momentarily forgotten . When I awoke , I found myself in a sterile hospital room . To my surprise , Leg was sitting by my bedside , his face etched with a mix of regret and concern . The anesthesia seeped in , and I drifted into unconsciousness , the pain and chaos momentarily forgotten . 00:29 C The Luna Marked with Lies , The Queen Crowned by Revenge 21.0 % When I awoke , I found myself in a sterile hospital room . To my surprise , Leo was sitting by my bedside , his face etched with a mix of regret and concern . " Beta told me about what happened , " Leo said , his voice heavy with remorse . " I had someone watching over you , but I didn't realize the thugs had come in disguised as students . " I looked at him , my emotions a whirlwind of confusion and hurt . " Do you know what he said to me ? " I asked , my voice barely audible . " He said this was my karma for being Leo's Luna . " Leo's eyes darkened with a storm of anger and sorrow . " I'll find that man and make sure he pays for what he did to you , " he vowed , his voice fierce . I couldn't find the strength to respond . The pain and sense of betrayal were overwhelming . Tears slipped down my cheeks as I silently wept , feeling a deep sense of loss . Even if Leo found the attacker , would it mend the damage done ? The pain and sense of betrayal were overwhelming . Tears slipped down my cheeks as I silently wept , feeling a deep sense of loss . Even if Leo found the attacker , would it mend the damage done ? Leo , with surprising tenderness , rolled up the sleeves of his suit and began to gently tend to my wounds . " It's nothing , " he said softly . " You took care of me during those time when I was injured . I owe you this . " His gesture was unexpectedly touching , though it did little to alleviate the hurt I felt . As he attended to me , his phone rang . He answered quickly , his expression growing serious . " I have to go , " he said , his voice tight . " I've got a lead on the thugs . I'll be back as soon as I can . " As he attended to me , his phone rang . He answered quickly , his expression growing serious . " I have to go , " he said , his voice tight . " I've got a lead on the thugs . I'll be back as soon as I can . " In "Cross My Heart and Hope to Die" by CrushReel, Zoe Hale takes a daring step by marrying Ashton Cross, a man under suspicion for her sister's mysterious demise. As their relationship evolves, hidden truths unravel, intertwining love and suspense in this captivating romance novel. Exploring the complexities of loyalty and deception, the story delves deep into Zoe's quest for justice while navigating the unexpected twists of her heart. The enigmatic bond between Zoe and Ashton unfolds against a backdrop of secrets and revelations, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each turn of the page. Set in a blend of romance and drama, "Cross My Heart and Hope to Die" stands out for its intricate character dynamics and the seamless fusion of passion and intrigue. With every chapter, CrushReel skillfully crafts a narrative that immerses readers in a world where love confronts darkness, leaving them yearning for more. Discover the enthralling saga of Zoe and Ashton, available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in this unique tale that defies conventions and promises an unforgettable literary experience.