Like a wall I’ve built over centuries finally crumbling under the weight of someone who sees me and stays anyway.
She came for me.
Hurting. Unsteady. Stubborn as ever.
Because she needed to see me.
I don’t know what to do with that.
“If I had to take that hit again,” I say, voice low, “I would.”
Her breath catches.
“Every time,” I continue. “Without hesitation.”
“Kieran—”
“I will not fail you again.”
She shakes her head. “I don’t need you to be perfect. I just need you to be here.”
The words settle somewhere deep. Somewhere I didn’t know was still capable of feeling.
I reach up slowly, carefully, and brush a strand of hair back from her face.
“I will be what you need,” I vow.
She leans into my hand, just slightly, and I feel the shift in everything.
She chose to come here. Chose to see me. Chose to stay.
And I will spend every day earning that choice.
“Stay,” she whispers.
I don’t hesitate.
“I’m not leaving.”
Her forehead presses against my shoulder—gentle, careful, trusting.
I won’t give her a reason to pull away again.
Not now.
Not ever.
Chapter 9
Kaia
My eyes open to sunlight.
Softer this time. Warmer.
My ribs ache. Not the stabbing kind—just a deep, annoying throb. I’m weak. But I’m not dying.
Good enough.
