Cassidy
I didn't feel the floor.
I didn't feel the gun still shaking in my hands.
I didn't feel anything.
Only the numb weight of Mara's blood on my soul, thick and suffocating, drowning out every sound except the ache of silence.
Then—
Warmth.
A forehead pressed to mine.
I blinked slowly, vision returning just enough to meet Damon's eyes.
"Cass," he whispered, voice hoarse and urgent. "Cassidy—look at me."
I didn't.
I turned my eyes to the gun in my hands.
She's dead because of me.
He grabbed my shoulders gently, firmly. "I'm sorry. I'm so damn sorry. But if you give up now—Mara dies for nothing. Her parents will never be found. Her name will be a footnote."
His voice cracked, just slightly.
"I need you with me. Please Cass, I need you."
My lips parted.
Then I nodded.
Once.
Twice.
That was all he needed.
"You with me?"
"Yes," I whispered.
