chapter 83

Kurtis's POV

I kicked open the door to the safe house, my breath coming out in ragged gasps. I was carrying Lyra in my arms, her body limp, her skin cold against mine. Every step felt like a battle against time, and I could barely think straight as I looked down at her pale face.

"Lyra… baby girl, stay with me." My voice trembled, but I forced it out. I couldn’t lose her, not after everything we had been through.

The house was quiet, too quiet, as I laid her down gently on the couch. My hands shook as I grabbed a blanket, wrapping it around her fragile body. Her eyes fluttered open for just a second before closing again, and my heart clenched in my chest. I had to do something. Fast.

I crouched beside her, brushing the hair from her face. "You're safe now. I’ve got you," I whispered, though I wasn’t sure if she could hear me. I’d never seen her like this, so vulnerable, so helpless. It tore at something deep inside me, something primal. I had sworn to protect her, and now here she was