Fragile Sanctuary

Darius Thorne

The mansion felt different as we entered. The grand front doors swung open, and I stepped out of the car, cradling Cassia in my arms. The weight of everything that had happened, everything I’d learned, bore down on me like a force. But as I looked down at Cassia—pale, fragile, and still fighting the pain even though the medics did their best—I couldn’t help but feel a sliver of hope.