The nurse clipped the IV line off my hand with a small snap. I winced, pulling my hand back to my lap, the tiny sting nothing compared to the ache all over my body. My head felt too heavy, my skin bruised in places I didn’t want to look at. Every time I shifted, it was like my bones remembered what had been done to me.
“You’re officially discharged,” she said with a tight smile. “Take it easy. No stress.”
No stress. I almost laughed.
Cassian was already at the door, leaning against the frame like he’d been guarding it all night. His shirt was wrinkled, hair a mess, eyes bloodshot. He looked like he hadn’t slept, like someone had carved guilt into his face with a knife.
“Ready?” he asked, voice rough.
I didn’t answer. I pushed myself up from the hospital bed, moving slow, dragging the
