Chapter 122

*BRIANNE’S POV*

I sat by the window, watching the morning sun rise over the treetops, casting a warm, golden glow across the room. The light felt like a small comfort, wrapping me in warmth, but it did little to ease the whirl of emotions that had tangled within me since… everything. It was strange how the world outside seemed untouched, peaceful, while mine felt as though it had been shaken to the core.

A soft knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts, and I looked up to see Mary peeking in. Her face was soft with worry and something else—something that looked like relief. She stepped into the room, moving to the chair across from me and sitting down quietly.

“Hey,” she murmured. “I wanted to check on you. After… well, after everything, I thought maybe you could use someone to talk to.”

A half-smile tugged at the corner of my mouth, though I knew it didn’t reach my eyes. “Thanks, Mary,” I said, glancing down at my hands. “I feel like everything happened so fast, I’m still trying t