Dominic’s POV
Mira’s hand felt small in mine, like I might snap it if I squeezed too hard. Her fingers were cold, even with that blanket draped on her lap. I sat next to her, feeding her this medicine the healer made, watching her sip it slowly. She leaned into me, hanging on as if I was the last solid thing left in her whole world, eyes closed, her breathing shallow. I kept repeating to myself, This is why she needs me. I am the only one she has at this moment.
“Dominic,” she whispered. “I don’t think I’d survive if you weren’t here.”
Guilt started to crawl in, all claws and teeth. I pushed a bit of messy hair from her face, faked a smile. “You’re not going anywhere. I’ll make sure you get better.”
She managed a little grin, faint and shaky, then melted into me. It should have felt
