POV: Desi Whitmore

Otto's journal sat in my jacket pocket like a promise.

I'd been carrying it since Cassio gave it to me. Reading his entries. Understanding how Ian had systematically destroyed someone I loved. Seeing the evidence of manipulation that had driven Otto to violence and then death.

But I'd also seen something else in those pages. Moments where Otto had fought back. Recognized the manipulation. Tried to leave proof that would help others survive.

His love for me had transcended ...