Shattered Illusions

Dexter Thorne scrambled to his feet, his eyes wide and panicked as he rushed directly to Serena's side. The café around them buzzed with shocked whispers, but Thorne ignored the onlookers, his focus solely on the trembling woman before him.

"Are you fine?" he asked, his voice laced with genuine concern as he reached out, though careful not to touch her.

Serena's chest heaved up and down. Her h