Ryan’s POV

Seeing Elina’s limp body and the stillness of her breath, my mind was instantly flooded with disbelief. She couldn’t have left me like this—it had to be a nightmare, one I would wake up from at any moment. I stumbled backward, as if retreating could help me escape the reality before me.

“No, no, this isn’t real…” I muttered under my breath, my voice trembling so much it was barely recognizable. Each step back felt like an attempt to flee ...