Chapter 49

Syria’s POV

There was a heavy silence between me and Violet. It lingered like fog, thick and uncomfortable. Then, out of nowhere, she stood up. Without a word, she walked over to where I was sitting. I was caught off guard when she sat beside me and suddenly wrapped her arms tightly around me.

Her voice trembled slightly. “I’m so sorry for everything that’s happening to you. You don’t deserve any of this. None of it. If I could save you right now… I would. If you just told me what you needed, I’d do it.”

She pulled back just enough to meet my eyes, sincerity written all over her face. “If you want… you can just come live with me, Syria. Or if you want to run away from that family, I’ll help you escape. I’ll do it. No questions asked.”

I smiled, but it was small and sad. “No. You don’t have to do any of that.”

Her brows furrowed in confusion. “Why not?”

“Because no one can help me right now, Violet,” I said quietly. “Not even you. Only I can save myself.”

She leaned back slowly, disapp