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Author: Sharon Smallwood
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

Cana’s POV:

Zane hadn’t said a word since we left Raquel’s lab. His hand rested gently on the small of my back as he guided me through the corridors of the mansion, but his usual warmth felt more like pressure tonight. I could feel the tension in him, and I knew he was holding back his questions, waiting until we were somewhere private. I wasn’t sure what he was more upset about the conversation I’d had with Raquel or the fact that I wasn’t being fully transparent with him.

As we stepped out into the cool night air, I inhaled deeply, hoping it would calm my frayed nerves. The sky above was painted with stars, their soft glow reflecting Zane’s concern as he glanced at me from the corner of his eye. I could tell he was trying to gauge how much to push me, but I wasn’t ready for that conversation. Not yet.

The mansion loomed behind us as we reached Zane’s car. He opened the door for me, his brow furrowed in thought. I slid inside, grateful for the momentary reprieve from his gaze, though
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    The sunlight passed through the hospital room windows, casting a soft glow on the e walls. Cana sat on the edge of her bed, the hospital sheets tangled at her feet. She was fully healed, her supernatural abilities healing the wounds overnight. Yet, the bruises on her soul felt raw and unrelenting.Zane’s voice drifted from the hallway as he spoke to the doctor. She strained to catch their conversation, hoping to discern whether her story from the night before had been convincing.“She’s recovering well,” the doctor said. There was a pause, and Cana’s heart raced as if it sensed trouble.“What concerns me,” the doctor continued, “is that her injuries... they appear to be self-inflicted. The cuts, the angles—it’s highly unusual. You may want to speak with her about—”“That’s enough,” Zane interrupted sharply.Cana’s stomach twisted. She couldn’t see his face, but his tone betrayed his unease.Moments later, Zane entered the room, his expression guarded. “Ready to go home?” he asked, his

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