I stood frozen, watching Hayden sleep. The peaceful rise and fall of her chest was the only calm thing in the room—everything else inside me was chaos. I’d pictured this moment a thousand times. How it would feel to let her go. How I’d find the strength to do it.
But now that it was here?
I couldn’t breathe.
I dragged a hand over my face, trying to pull myself together. This was the only way. There was no choice. Not after what happened last night. I’d nearly lost control—nearly hurt her. And if Sareena hadn’t stepped in…
No. I wouldn’t let myself think about it.
The sleeping spell broke with a soft sigh from her lips. Her lashes fluttered.
And then her eyes snapped open.
At first, she looked around, confused. Then her gaze landed on me—and all the color drained from her face.
She
