chapter 91

Lyra’s POV

“No, Kurtis, I’m not leaving. I can’t,” I said, my voice firm even as my heart twisted in knots. The sterile hospital hallway felt suffocating, the fluorescent lights harsh against the anxiety gnawing at me. I couldn’t focus on anything except James, lying unconscious in that bed. The man who had once been a huge part of my life was now on the brink of death, and I couldn’t just walk away.

Kurtis turned to me, his eyes narrowing as frustration and jealousy flickered across his face. “What do you mean, you “can’t” leave?” His voice was low, tight, like he was trying to keep his anger from spilling over. He took a step closer, towering over me, his presence both comforting and intimidating. “You’re staying here… for “him”?”

His words were a dagger, sharp and cutting. I flinched, but I didn’t back down. “James is my friend,” I said softly, though my heart was pounding now. “I can’t just walk away when he’s lying there, fighting for his life. I need to know he’s going to be oka