LIANAI stepped into the kitchen once again, my mind still reeling from the revelation of the scratches on my arms. I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease, the fear of what I did while I was under the influence of the sedative.“Hey, guys,” I began, my voice shaky with uncertainty. “Can you tell me anything about these scratches? I don't remember anything from last night. What did I do?”Sara and Kiara exchanged a glance, their expressions somber as Kiara spoke up, “The thing is, Lia, even after we gave you the sedative, you still moved around a lot in your bed, writhing in pain and scratching yourself.”“We tried to hold you down, but you still managed to scratch yourself quite a bit,” Sara added.The image painted by their words sent a shiver down my spine. To think that my body had been in such agony, even in my sleep, was terrifying.“Why is this happening to me?” I whispered, unable to contain the fear and frustration bubbling inside me.Before I knew it, tears welled up in
LIANAIn the quiet of the evening, my phone rang, the familiar ringtone signaling an incoming call from my dad. I hesitated for a moment before answering, unsure of what to expect."Hi, Dad," I greeted, trying to keep my voice steady despite the apprehension swirling inside me. Maybe he wanted to mend things? I could only hope so."Liana, you haven't replied to the apartment leave notice," my dad's voice came through the line. I sighed, feeling a pang of disappointment at myself for daring to hope for anything with my father. "Don’t worry, Dad. I will leave the apartment next month," I assured him."You really are stubborn, aren't you? Can't you just apologize?" he chided, his frustration evident in his voice. “You know that your credit card has been cut off too.”I bristled at his words, my own stubbornness rising to the surface. "I wouldn't know, Dad, because I don't use that credit card," I shot back, unable to keep the bite out of my tone.His response was immediate, his voice
ZAYLENAs I wrapped my arms around Liana, I felt her nails digging into my back, but I ignored the pain, focusing instead on providing her with the comfort she desperately needed. She seemed almost possessed by her anguish, her body trembling against mine."It's okay, Liana," I murmured softly. "You are safe. I am here."I continued to rub her back in gentle circles, offering whatever solace I could as she struggled to regain control. I hated seeing her like this. If there was something I could do to relieve her of her pain… If only I could make her pain mine…I held her tighter, feeling helpless, and unable to do anything but hold her.Her breath came in ragged gasps, and I could feel the tension slowly easing from her body.Once I sensed her breathing begin to steady, I pulled back slightly, still keeping her within arm's reach. "Are you okay?" I asked, my voice filled with genuine concern.She shook her head, her tears flowing freely now as she poured out her fears."I don't wan
ZAYLENAs the clock struck midnight, I watched helplessly as Liana battled against the waves of pain crashing over her. My heart ached for her, wishing there was something more I could do to ease her suffering."Zaylen," she whispered, her voice strained with effort, "tell me something... something that will make me forget about everything."I took a deep breath, summoning every ounce of courage within me. This was my chance to be honest with her, to lay bare my feelings despite the uncertainty that lingered between us."I like you," I confessed, the words hanging in the air between us like a fragile thread.To my surprise, she let out a strained laugh, her eyes twinkling with a hint of amusement, despite the pain ripping through her. "Good one," she replied, her voice trying to hide her agony. "That made me forget all my pain for a good second there."I felt a pang of disappointment at her response."It's not a joke," I insisted, my tone serious as I tried to convey the sincerity o
ZAYLENI pulled Liana close, our bodies pressed together as if trying to merge into one. Our lips met in a steamy, fevered kiss that sent electric jolts through my entire being. Her mouth opened slightly, and our tongues tangled in a sensual dance and exploring.Every kiss of mine was a promise. Every touch was a silent confession. If only Liana would let herself accept it.My hands roamed her back, feeling the warmth of her skin through the thin fabric of her top. She responded with equal fervor, her fingers threading through my hair, pulling me even closer. As my hand slipped under her top, trailing up her spine, she shivered but didn’t pull away. Instead, she leaned into me, her kisses growing more passionate, more desperate.It was as if the world outside had ceased to exist. Her pain and the past faded away, leaving only this moment of pure, unrestrained desire. I could feel her letting go and her body losing its tension slightly, allowing herself to be consumed by the heat be
LIANAMy heart pounded in my chest as I sprinted through the hospital corridors. Zaylen was right behind me. The sterile, white walls seemed to close in around me, amplifying the echo of our hurried footsteps. I could hardly breathe, my lungs burning with every step.This is why I hated the hospitals! They always gave me the creeps, and to think, one of my closest friends was brought in here."Kiara... please be okay," I whispered to myself as the thought of losing her was unbearable."Liana, slow down," Zaylen called out, his voice strained with concern. But I couldn't stop. I wouldn't stop until I saw her.We rounded a corner and nearly collided with Daniel. His usually calm demeanor was shattered, his face a mask of worry and exhaustion."Daniel!" I gasped, clutching his arm. "Where is she? How is she?"He shook his head, his eyes filled with a sorrow that made my stomach twist. "She is in the ICU. The doctors are doing everything they can, but... it's not looking good, Liana. Th
LIANAJordan shook his head, frustration etched on his face. "No, we are still trying to find out. It's not easy — there is a lot of chaos right now. But we are working on it. It seems like a serial killing case, though."A surge of anger like I had never felt before welled up inside me. My hands clenched into fists, and I felt my nails digging into my palms. How could someone do this to Kiara? She was the kindest, most selfless person I knew. She would never harm anyone. Never."Whoever did this... they are going to pay," I let out, my voice trembling with rage."Liana, you should stay calm. You are—” Zaylen began, as if worried that I would transform due to my overwhelming emotions, but I cut him off."No, Zaylen! How can I stay calm? How could someone attack her? She didn't deserve this," I cried, my voice breaking with my anger and sorrow.Jordan stepped forward, his eyes filled with sympathy. "I know, Liana. Kiara is one of the best people I have ever known. We're going to do e
LIANAThe words hit me like a sledgehammer, knocking the breath from my lungs. A strangled cry escaped my lips as tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision with their salty sting."No," I whispered, the word barely audible as my mind struggled to process the reality of Daniel's announcement. "No, this can't be happening."Zaylen wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close as I buried my face against his chest, the dam of my emotions breaking free in a torrent of grief. It felt like the world had come crashing down around me, leaving nothing but a hollow ache in its wake."Kiara," I sobbed, my voice muffled against Zaylen's shirt. Zaylen's grip tightened, his hand rubbing soothing circles on my back. I felt my knees buckle, and I slumped onto the hospital bench, my legs unable to support the weight of my sorrow. While I did have a nagging bad feeling, I never wanted it to be true. I was praying so desperately for her to be okay. How could this happen?Zaylen sat beside me, hi