The sun had begun its slow ascent into the sky by the time we reached the camp. Golden light filtered through the trees, casting long shadows across the ground. The air was crisp, yet the weight of exhaustion clung to my bones.

I barely noticed the world around me.

My eyes were locked on Elijah.

The twins, were crouched beside him, their faces pale and tight with worry as they did their best to tend to his injuries. But no amount of careful cleaning could hide the extent of his wounds.

His shirt had been ripped open, exposing a torso covered in bruises and deep gashes. His right eye was swollen shut, an ugly shade of purple and black. Dried blood crusted along the side of his face. Even unconscious, his expression was pained, his body twitching slightly as if still trapped in the nightmare of his torment.

My heart clenched so tightly it hurt.

I didn't know what to do.

What to feel.

Elijah had betrayed us-hadn't he? I took a step forward, my fingers twitching by my sides. I wanted to go to him, to touch him, to reassure myself that he was still breathing. But I hesitated.

Did I have the right?

Did I still trust him?

Does it even matter?

Seeing him like this-beaten, broken, barely clinging to life-pushed everything else aside. Betrayal, anger, confusion... all of it melted under the weight of a single, undeniable truth.

I still cared.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I dropped to my knees beside him. The ground was cold beneath me, but I barely noticed, My fingers shook as I reached out, hesitating for a split second before brushing the edge of his bruised cheek. I traced the holes in his neck where the silver needles must have been.

I pressed my fingers against his throat. His pulse was weak.

Too weak

Damn it.

He was too far gone to walk.

"Elijah..." My voice was barely a whisper.

He didn't stir.

My chest tightened painfully.

my fingers trembling us I reached

Apr 28

Chapter 189

to get moving otherwise they will find us." Pointing

running out of

twins. "We need to

lifted Elijah's limp form, supporting him between them.

and took

within me,

53%

its protective embrace. The moment it

Somewhere safe. Somewhere familiar.

us. Shadows twisted, time folded, and a heartbeat later, we

The school library.

least, what was left of

building had been reduced to rubble, the result of a fire that had torn through the school months ago. The renovations

the time being, we were

sagging further against

supplies," he said, disappearing down the hallway

I barely acknowledged him.

remained on

lowered him onto a worn-out couch tucked in

breathing was shallow, his face twisted in

hold

beside him, my fingers reaching

they do to you?" I

No answer.

slipped

escaping his lips. Hits head lolle to the side, and for the first time since we brought

Chapter 189

was unfocused at first, hazy with pain and exhaustion. But as he blinked,

Guilt

Pain.

Regret.

my fingers gently over his

He flinched.

so weak it nearly

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