CALLAN’S POV
The room was eerily quiet except for the faint crackle of the dying fire in the corner. Shadows danced against the walls, casting distorted figures that mirrored the chaos inside me. I sat beside Lukas’ bed, my elbows resting on my knees, my hands clasped tightly as if they alone could tether me to reality. He lay there motionless, his face pale, his features drawn tight, as if he were fighting battles even in his unconscious state.
I couldn’t tear my eyes away from him. My best friend. My brother in every way that mattered. The man who had been my anchor when the world tried to drown me, now lying helpless before me.
I reached out, my fingers brushing against the back of his hand. Cold. Too cold.
“Come on, Lukas,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “You’ve always been the s
