LOGINTyron's POV The hospital room smelled like antiseptic and faded flowers...Mom had brought a fresh vase of white lilies yesterday, but even they couldn’t cover the sterile bite in the air. I hadn’t left this chair in days. My back ached, my eyes burned from staring at the same pale walls, the same s
My stomach flipped in a way that had nothing to do with fear.He stepped inside, closed the door quietly behind him. “It’s just me.”I swallowed. “You look… different.”He glanced down at himself, rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah. Ritual stuff. Mom made us dress up a little before the real thing t
Asher's POV The bathroom door clicked shut behind me, and the world narrowed to the sound of my own heartbeat slamming against my ribs. I pressed my back to the cool wood, Luca clutched tight against my chest, his little head tucked under my chin.His breathing was soft and even, he’d fallen back a
I eased back onto the bed, keeping Luca against my shoulder. “You don’t have to tell me anything you don’t want to. But… who hurt you like this, Nova? The bruises. The way you flinch. You don’t have to give me the whole story, just… anything.”She looked down at her hands, twisting the hem of the dr
Asher's POV I hadn’t moved from the edge of the bed in what felt like forever. My legs were starting to cramp, but I didn’t care. Nova was curled on her side, knees drawn up toward her chest, looking so small against my dark comforter that it hurt to look at her. The bruises on her arms peeked out
Asher's POV When I risked a glance back, she was smoothing the hem over her thighs. The dress hung a little loose, but it covered her. She looked smaller, more fragile somehow.“You okay?” I asked, voice rough.She nodded. Her voice came out small, barely above a whisper. “Thank you.”My stomach fl







