AUTHOR’S POV

Their story did not end that night.

Liam carried Aria out of the ruins with shaking hands, fear clawing at his chest. Max joined him halfway, wordless and pale, helping him keep her steady as they rushed toward the healer’s lodge. Aria was alive, but barely. Her body was cold, her breathing shallow, and no matter how many times Liam called her name, she did not respond.

For days, Aria lay unconscious.

Liam hardly left her side. He slept in the chair beside her bed, waking ...