~ NYRA

Cassian held me like I was something precious. Like I wasn’t this monster I feared I’d become.

His arms were strong and warm, and the longer he held me, the less I trembled. My tears still fell, thick and fast, but inside, something fragile and exhausted began to settle. My shoulders felt lighter, like a heavy burden had been lifted off them.

How was it possible to feel so loved and so terrified all at once?

“I’m sorry,” I whispered into his chest. “I didn’t want to be like ...