I rushed to Levine’s side, my heart thudding in my chest. My hand trembled as I reached out, desperate to know if he was still breathing. But before I could touch him, a strange guilt washed over me, as if reaching for him was forbidden.

Slowly, I pushed the blood-stained sheet aside and touched his chest, hoping to feel a breath.

Suddenly, Levine’s hand shot up and gripped my wrist with surprising strength. I gasped as he pulled me closer. His eyes snapped open, locking on mine with an ...