Chapter 43

Avery

I lay in the darkness, heart hammering against my ribs as I replayed his words in an endless loop: *If I stay another minute, I won't be able to let you rest.*

The blankets felt too warm, the room too quiet. I pressed my palm against my flushed cheek, trying to steady my breathing. Through the bond, I could sense him downstairs—a low hum of tension, of restraint pulled taut like a bowstrin