The car ride to Dante's house was cloaked in a heavy silence, broken only by the hum of the engine and Clara's shallow, uneven breaths. The raw edge of the recent trauma still clung to her, a suffocating blanket. Finally, the sleek SUV pulled into the driveway of Dante's residence, a modern, sprawling home nestled amidst the trees.
Leo was out of the car first, his movements quick and decisive. He opened Clara's door, his hand reaching in to help her. "Easy, sis," he murmured, his voice gentle. Clara tried to swing her legs out, but a sharp pain lanced through her. "Owe," she whispered, a soft cry escaping with each strained movement. Her body was a roadmap of agony, both external and internal.
Seeing her struggle, Leo didn't hesitate. He scooped her up, cradling her bruised and blanket-
