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.

myself to move, my fingers trembling us I reached for the mp. Unfolding it, my

Apr 28

Chapter 189

"We have to get moving otherwise they will find us." Pointing at the animated characters flickered around us,

out of

the twins. "We need to move. Help Elijah

quick glance before nodding. With careful hands, they lifted

and took a deep

ounce of power within me, I called forth

53%

its protective embrace. The moment it fully

Somewhere safe. Somewhere familiar.

time folded, and a heartbeat later, we reappeared inside

The school library.

at least, what

old books. Part of the building had been reduced to rubble, the result of a fire that had torn through

the time being, we were

his body sagging further against the

get supplies," he

I barely acknowledged him.

remained

worn-out couch tucked in the corner of

shallow,

hold back

my fingers reaching

did they do to

No answer.

slipped down my

sound escaping his lips. Hits head lolle to the side, and for the first

Chapter 189

as he blinked, as his mind slowly registered where he was, something

Guilt

Pain.

Regret.

hard as I brushed my fingers gently over his

He flinched.

in a voice so weak it

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255