CHAPTER 42: THE ATTACK

DAMIEN'S POV:

It had been almost two decades since I felt afraid. The emotion was unfamiliar to me; I never understood it. Maybe it's because I hardly ever felt it; I didn't know what it was or maybe I had forgotten what it felt like and how terrifying it is.

But now I remember.

I used to feel disgusted by those who felt fear, especially if it was for something that wouldn't kill you. But now I get it: fear doesn't always have to be associated with death.

It came with a lot of things, like the fear of rejection, the fear of uncertainty, and the fear of loss.

I felt the last one when I watched Maya's eyes fall shut as blood dripped out of her mouth. I was by her side instantly, her body falling limp in my arms.

"Maya? What's wrong?" I asked while tapping her cheek. My panic obliquely heightened when I did not receive any response; she didn't even move. "Maya!"

Nothing.

I scooped her into my arms and rushed towards the infirmary. My eyes were jumping between her pale face and the empt