Chapter 40: A Throne of Thorns.Violet Virgilson.

Evening had fallen, though the light outside the hospital windows still lingered faintly, the last remnants of a sun retreating into night. I had been by Vincent’s side for what felt like days. Or maybe it was days—I had completely lost track of time.

Three days. Three long, relentless days since Caroline’s confession. My fingers still ached from holding his hand, my eyes were tired from staring at the steady rise and fall of his chest. ...