Chapter 362

The moment Nathan draped his jacket over Serena's trembling shoulders, she finally allowed herself to exhale.

Serena's tear-filled eyes locked onto Nathan's face, and a broken sob tore from her throat. "Nathan... You came for me!" Her voice cracked as she reached out desperately.

Nathan caught her wrist before she could collapse against him. "You're safe now," he said evenly, though his jaw remained tight.

Grace stepped forward urgently. "We need to move. Serena, can you stand?"

"I... I'll try," Serena whispered, gripping Grace's arm like a lifeline.

Her knees buckled instantly. "Serena!" Grace gasped, barely catching her. "Where does it hurt?"

Serena shook her head violently, fresh tears spilling down her cheeks.

"Can you carry her?" Grace turned to Dylan with pleading eyes.

Dylan moved to help, but Serena recoiled so violently she nearly fell again. "No! Please... don't touch me." Her breathing turned ragged. "I can't... not after..."

The unspoken horror hung heavy in the air.

Nathan exhaled sharply before striding forward. Without ceremony, he scooped Serena into his arms.

To everyone's surprise, Serena immediately buried her face against Nathan's neck, her fingers twisting into his shirt.

The ride to Silvercrest Medical Center passed in suffocating silence.

At the hospital, Dr. Graves emerged from the examination room. "Physically, she's stable," he told Dylan. "Minor abrasions and ligature marks on her wrists and ankles."

His expression darkened. "The psychological trauma is more concerning. She's exhibiting acute aversion to male contact and shows signs of severe distress. She'll need constant support from trusted individuals to prevent further deterioration."

Dylan's knuckles whitened around his phone. "Understood. Thank you, Doctor."

As the medical team departed, the group stood frozen in the sterile hallway, the weight of unspoken questions pressing down on them.