Elias’s POV

I did not sleep that night. Not even for a minute.

I stayed on Ronan’s bed, back against the wall, knees pulled up. The room was dark except for the small lamp we kept on. I could not stand the idea of turning it off. I needed the light. I needed something to push the shadows away.

Ronan stayed awake with me.

He sat on the floor beside the bed, leaning against it. His head rested near my knee. He did not touch me unless I touched him first. He gave me space but stayed close ...