Lilly POVI make sure to climb into the same SUV as Dante, needing to know I’m headed to the right place. The tension in the car is thick, the silence only broken by the hum of the engine.“What’s going on?” I ask quietly, my voice barely above a whisper.Dante sighs, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. “Sasha is dead. Callum killed her. And from the messages on Sasha’s phone, we found out that he traded himself—for your safety.”His words make my world tilt, my body going cold as the reality sinks in. “Why would he do that?” I whisper, my voice breaking.“Because he loves you,” Dante says, his tone cutting through me like a knife. “He can’t live without you, and you made it clear you hated him. You told him you couldn’t stand to see him.”My breath catches, and I shake my head, tears spilling again. “I didn’t mean it,” I whisper, my voice cracking. “I was hurt—I’m still hurt—but I didn’t mean it.”“Lilly,” Dante says softly, turning to look at me. His expression is torn, but he hesitat
Lilly POVI can’t tear my eyes away from Dante as he presses against Callum’s chest, his hands moving in desperate rhythm. My heart feels like it’s shattering with every second that passes. It doesn’t feel like it’s going to work—like he’ll come back. Callum’s lifeless body lies there, and all I can think about are the last words I said to him.“I wish you were dead.”“Seeing you, fucking hurts.”Those words will haunt me forever if this is how it ends.“He’s breathing,” Dante mutters, his voice sharp with urgency. Relief flickers for a fleeting moment, but it’s drowned out as he tears open Callum’s shirt. My breath catches, my stomach twisting violently when I see the stab wounds—deep, raw, and bleeding. He’s not going to make it.Panic rises in my chest like a tidal wave. I start to tremble, my hands shaking uncontrollably. Dante grabs my shoulders and shakes me roughly, snapping me out of my spiral. “Stop it!” he snaps. “Here, press down. Hard.”He takes my hands, forcing them onto
Lilly POV“Callum sustained multiple stab wounds—ten, to be exact. Two of the wounds were deep enough to puncture vital organs. One pierced his left lung, causing it to collapse. We’ve inserted a chest tube to help with re-expansion, but he’s going to experience difficulty breathing for some time.”My stomach churns as the doctor presses on. “He also has a laceration to his liver. It wasn’t severe enough to require a full resection, but it did necessitate careful suturing to control the bleeding. We’re monitoring him closely for any signs of infection or further internal bleeding.”The words feel like blows, each one hitting harder than the last.“Additionally,” the doctor says, his eyes briefly flicking to Dante, “he has multiple broken ribs from blunt force trauma, likely from being kicked or struck repeatedly. One of the ribs caused a small contusion to his right kidney, but it doesn’t appear to be life-threatening.”I clutch my chest as the list continues.“Callum also suffered si
Callum’s POVI’m floating somewhere between awareness and oblivion, caught in a haze where time has no meaning. When I went to meet them, I was sure it would be the end. I expected to die. But now, all I know is pain—searing, relentless pain that claws at every part of me. Sometimes, though, it shifts. There are moments when it numbs, like the pain itself is exhausted. To start with, it was everything. It consumed me.Then, something else broke through. Warmth. Not the sterile heat of the hospital, but something softer, something human. The warmth of a hand wrapped around mine, holding on as though refusing to let me slip away. Voices follow, faint and muddled at first, but familiar. Dante’s sharp, grounding tone. And then hers—Lilly’s. Sweet and broken, like a melody caught on the wind. I hear them again and again, their words brushing against the edge of my consciousness. I try to respond, to tell them I’m here, but all that comes out are incoherent mumbles.Today feels different.T
Callum POVDante’s voice breaks through the fog. “So, you’re saying there’s no permanent damage?”“That’s correct,” the doctor replies, his voice calm but sure. “Everything we’ve observed suggests this is temporary. The fact that Callum is mumbling means the motor functions required for speech are intact, but his brain and muscles need time to synchronize again. If needed, we can consider speech therapy later, but I don’t expect it to be necessary unless there are prolonged issues.”I feel Lilly’s thumb brushing over my hand, a soothing motion that does little to ease the storm raging inside me. “But he’s frustrated,” she says, her voice breaking. “I can see it. He’s trying so hard to speak, and nothing’s coming out.”Damn right, I’m frustrated. I clench my hand weakly, my body trembling from the effort.The doctor’s gaze shifts to me, and for the first time, he speaks directly to me. “Callum, I know this is frustrating. I know it feels like your body is betraying you. But this is tem
Lilly’s POVThe past five days since Callum woke up have been nothing short of a rollercoaster—a messy, frustrating, infuriating, yet somehow heartwarming ride. Every time he tries to talk, the frustration rolls off him in waves. His speech is a struggle, slow and halting, but he’s determined. He can manage small words now, and it takes him almost a full minute to get out, “I love you.” But he’s doing it. He’s fighting, and I’m here for all of it.I haven’t left his side once, except to shower and change my clothes—a feat, considering how hard it is to peel myself away from him. I’ve been sleeping beside him when exhaustion hits, curled up in the awkward hospital bed. And yet, through it all, he still manages to look annoyed every time I try to help him.Like now, as I finish fastening his shoes. He stares at me with the same glare that screams I can do it myself, even though he absolutely cannot.“You helped me when I was hurt,” I snap, standing and crossing my arms. “I didn’t sulk.”
Lilly POVHe pouts, grabbing his phone again, typing quickly before holding it up for me to read.If I can’t even do that, what use am I? I may as well stay locked in the bedroom alone until I can fucking move on my own.The words hit me like a punch to the gut. My heart clenches, and I lean closer, whispering, “Callum...”His head shakes violently, cutting me off. “W-want n-n-no-nor—” His voice rises in a raw scream, his fists pounding against the sofa in sheer frustration. He snatches the phone again, typing furiously before shoving it toward me.I just want things to be normal. Something normal, even for a moment. I don’t feel like me.The message rips through me, the raw honesty in his words slicing deeper than any blade could. His eyes meet mine, and I see it—he’s lost, grasping for something, anything to make him feel whole again.I want to argue, to tell him he’s not useless, that it’s okay to need time, but the desperation in his gaze keeps me silent. He doesn’t just want norm
Callum’s POVI didn’t want to wake her. Hell, I don’t even want to admit I need help. Asking for help feels worse than falling—worse than the constant reminder that I’m not the man I used to be. I thought I’d be fine. I was slow, yes, but I managed three steps. Three goddamn steps before my legs gave out, and I hit the floor hard, my pride shattering with me.The humiliation burns hotter than the pain. Crawling to the bathroom feels like the better option, anything to avoid calling for help. I push against the cold floor, my arms trembling, my breaths coming in short, sharp bursts. My entire body protests as I force myself to sit up. Sweat trickles down my temple, and just as I’m about to try again, the door opens.Dante steps in, his sharp gaze landing on me immediately. “You good?” he asks, his tone carrying a mix of concern and exasperation.I nod, though the answer is obvious. Good? How the fuck can I be good?He lets out a long, heavy sigh, stepping closer. “Stop being a stubborn
“Hey.” I cup his face in my hands, my thumbs brushing over his cheekbones. “You don’t have to do it all. You don’t have to carry everyone. We’re okay. I’m okay.”He looks at me, his eyes searching mine, and I can see the walls he usually keeps up start to lower. He doesn’t say anything, just holds me tighter, his fingers splayed against my back like he’s afraid to let go.“You’ve been my everything,” I whisper, my voice catching. “You saved me when I thought I couldn’t be saved. And I’ll never stop loving you for that.”He closes his eyes and leans his forehead against mine. “You’re the reason I keep going,” he murmurs. “You’re everything, firefly. You always have been.”The way he says it, the raw honesty in his voice, makes my throat tighten. I slide my hands down to his shoulders, holding him as close as I can. “I’ll always be here for you. No matter what.”For a long moment, we just sit there, holding each other in the middle of the noise and laughter of the party. It’s like the r
Serena POVThe music thumps lightly in the background as I sit on one of the plush couches in the corner of the reception hall, leaning back against the soft cushions. People are milling about, laughing, drinking, swaying to the music under the warm glow of fairy lights. It’s the end of the weekend, the final night of all the chaos and celebrations, and while I should be tired, I’m not. There’s a relaxed energy in the air, a sense of satisfaction that everything went off perfectly.Rich flops down beside me, a glass of something amber in his hand, and he’s grinning like a cat who just stole the cream. He stretches his legs out, looking entirely too pleased with himself, and I can’t help but laugh.“What’s that smug look for?” I nudge his arm.“Smug? Me? I don’t know what you’re talking about, sunshine.” He takes a long sip of his drink, his grin never fading. “I’m just happy. Look around, Dante’s hitched, Callum’s married, and no one set the place on fire. That’s what I call a win.”I
Jace POV“Oh, come on,” Dante presses, still grinning. “You don’t think it’s a little weird how you two always seem to know everything about each other? Like, everything.”Callum chimes in, shaking his head with a smirk. “I mean, it’s impressive, don’t get me wrong. But it’s also kinda suspicious. Like, how close are you two, really?”Rich leans back in his chair, spreading his arms. “What can I say? Jace and I just have that connection. Isn’t that right, Jace?”“Cut it out, Rich,” I snap, though I can feel the heat creeping into my face. It’s not that they’re serious, they’re just fucking with me, but the teasing is relentless.“Relax,” Dante says, raising his hands in mock surrender. “It’s not like we’re judging. We’re just saying… You two are close. Like, really close.”“Nothing wrong with that,” Callum adds, his grin widening. “In fact, it’s kind of sweet. You guys trust each other. You share things. Intimate things, apparently.”“Intimate my ass,” I grumble, grabbing a piece of t
Jace POVI watch her disappear into the bathroom, the sheet trailing behind her. As soon as the door closes, I lean back against the headboard, running a hand through my hair. “What the hell, Rich?” I grumble, turning my glare on him.He’s standing there with a coffee cup in one hand and a mischievous grin that I’m too tired to deal with. “You’re welcome for not barging in earlier,” he says, handing me the cup.I take it, wrapping both hands around it, and let the warmth sink in. “You could have waited a little longer. Or, I don’t know, knocked before coming back in.”“Where’s the fun in that?” He slumps into the armchair in the corner, watching me with that unshakable smirk. “You’re way too easy to mess with in the morning.”I take a long sip of coffee before responding. “I was already hungover. Now I’m just annoyed.”“Annoyed is better than dead, and I like living, so…” Rich trails off, still grinning. “Besides, you wouldn’t kill me. You like having me around too much.”I groan, but
Serena POVI nuzzle closer to Jace, his arm tightening around me as I try to relax again. The warmth of his body against mine is soothing, and for a moment, I think I might actually drift off. But then Rich lets out a soft mumble from the floor, his words indistinct but definitely audible.“Goddammit,” Jace mutters under his breath. “I knew it. I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep with him here.”I tug him closer, resting my head on his chest. “Shh,” I whisper, pressing a soft kiss to his jaw. “He’s not that loud. Just try.”He sighs, his hand running down my back as if to settle me. “Firefly…”“Try,” I repeat, pulling him in even tighter.He doesn’t reply, but I can feel him relax, his breathing evening out against mine. After a moment, the room quiets again, except for Rich’s occasional muttering. But Jace doesn’t say anything else. Instead, he rests his chin against my head, holding me close. His steady breathing finally lulls me back into sleep, and soon I fall asleep again.Waking
Serena POVI’m maybe a little drunk, but not that drunk. Hugging Luna and Lilly, I walk out and head to the place I’m staying with Jace. As soon as I step inside, I throw myself onto the bed.Not long after, the door opens and Jace walks in. He gives me a lopsided smile and makes his way over, collapsing onto the bed beside me.I kiss him softly, smiling. “Have fun?”He mumbles something unintelligible, which just makes me laugh.“So much for not drinking much,” I say, nudging him with a smirk.“Blame Dante,” he groans. “He gave me the shots.”I raise a brow. “Dante? Wait, so this wasn’t Rich? I’m shocked. Did he actually behave for a change?”Jace rubs his face and lets out a long groan. “He’s probably more sober than I am. Don’t ask me how.”Yep, he’s wasted. Shaking my head, I climb off the bed and help him sit up so I can get his clothes off. His smile grows wider as I tug at his shirt.“No,” I warn, “don’t get any ideas. You need sleep or you’ll look like death at the wedding tom
Serena POVI can’t help but laugh, shaking my head as I think about it. I never thought a book like this would make me feel, well, anything beyond shock. “But still,” I say, flipping back to the scene where Dominic starts breaking down, “this guy spent his whole life preaching about purity. Then the devil shows up, and suddenly it’s all out the window.”“That’s the beauty of it,” Lilly says. “It’s not sudden at all. The cracks were always there. The devil just gave him a push.”The more we talk, the more I find myself leaning in. The details they’re pointing out, the way they’re pulling apart each character’s motives, I can’t look away. Even when the conversation shifts to the dark, twisted scenes I would’ve written off before, I’m still right there, asking questions, offering my own thoughts. I don’t even notice how much time has passed until Luna mentions needing another drink.By then, I’m not just listening. I’m in it, flipping pages, debating over whether Dominic had any real cho
Serena POVI walk into the room and my eyes immediately land on Lilly and Luna. We’ve done a few video calls together before, but seeing them in person is different. Luna is the first to react, springing up from her seat and coming straight over to pull me into a hug.Luna introduces me to the others, pointing out a few names as we walk further into the room. A small group of women sit in a circle of couches and chairs, chatting quietly. They each give a friendly wave or nod, and I offer a polite smile in return. Luna explains who’s who, though I’m not sure I’ll remember everyone’s name by the end of the night.Meanwhile, Lilly is still in her chair, completely absorbed in a book. She hasn’t even glanced up since I came in. It’s not until Luna calls her name that she finally looks over. Her face lights up when she sees me, and she closes her book carefully before coming over and giving me a warm hug.“Finally! You’re here,” Lilly says with a grin. “We were starting to think you’d gott
Jace POVRich leans back, shaking his head. “Man, it’s crazy to think how far we’ve come. From that cramped, shitty apartment to this. And through it all, you’ve still managed to put up with my crap.”“Barely,” I say with a smirk. “You’re not exactly easy to deal with, you know.”Rich grins, leaning forward again, resting his chin on his hand. “Yeah, but you’d be bored without me. Admit it.”I roll my eyes, but I’m laughing now. “Fine. Maybe a little.”“Damn right,” he says with a wink.Rich’s grin softens just slightly as he swirls the remaining whiskey in his glass. “You know, Jace,” he says, his voice lower now, almost contemplative. “You’ve always been the steady one. Even when we were broke, when everything felt like it was falling apart. You never lost your cool.”I huff out a laugh. “You sure about that? Because I remember a few nights where I definitely lost my shit. Especially when you kept betting more than we had.”“But you always kept us out of real trouble,” Rich counters