Lyla

Lyla POV:

Tears blurred my vision as I sat alone, staring at the mirror. The mark on my neck, a cruel reminder of Noah's betrayal, seemed to throb with a life of its own. It was a scar not just on my skin but on my soul, an ugly token of a bond that was never meant to be.

"Why me?" I whispered to my reflection, a mix of anger and sorrow choking my words.

I should have been celebrating my newfound connection with Cameron and Samuel, but instead, I was here, nursing a wound that felt like a betrayal to them and to myself.

The door creaked open, and in the mirror's reflection, I saw Cameron and Samuel step in. Their eyes, full of concern, met mine in the mirror. Despite the pain, their presence was a balm to my troubled heart.

"Hey, sweetheart," Samuel said softly, his voice a soothing melody in the tense air.

I turned to face them, trying to mask my tears, but it was futile. Cameron approached and gently cupped my face in his hands, his touch tender and filled with unspoken promises of