Page 127 of Bitter Truths

“Of what?”

“Of losing them again. Of encouraging them to fight and then watching them die because I’m fucking wrong.”

“What’s the alternative?”

I look at my brother, really look at him. At the concern in his eyes, the love, the fierce protectiveness that’s always defined our relationship.

I’ve missed him so much.

“What would you do, Win?”

“I’d stop letting fear make my decisions for me, especially without proof.” He squeezes my hand. “But that’s easy for me to say. I’m not the one who has to live with the consequences.”

“I have a lot to think about.”

“And hey, promise me you won’t do anything reckless. If anything happens to you…”

I look at him, this man who’s always been my safe harbor.

“I promise I’ll be as smart as I can about whatever comes next.”

It’s not the promise he wants, but it’s the only one I can give.

“Bianca.” Winston catches my hand as I turn to leave. “Whatever happens… I’m proud of you. You’ve survived things that would have broken most people. Trust yourself.”

I squeeze his hand and leave before the tears in my eyes can fall.

Outside in the hallway, I lean against the wall and try to breathe. My chest feels tight, like I can’t get enough air. Too many decisions. Too many unknowns. Too much at stake.

I need air. Space to think.

The hospital garden is quiet this time of day, just a few scattered visitors on benches among the carefully maintained flower beds. I find a spot in the corner where no one can overhear and call the emergency line at the refuge.

Ezra answers on the second ring.

“Bianca? What’s wrong?”

Just hearing his voice makes my throat tight. “Everything.”

“Hold on.” I hear movement, then Megan’s voice in the background. “She’s here. Bianca’s on the line.”

“Talk to us,” Megan says, her voice warm but concerned. “What’s happening?”

So I tell them. Not everything... not the intimate details. But enough.

The silence on the other end stretches long enough that I wonder if the call dropped.

“Jesus,” Ezra finally breathes. “Bianca, this is...”

“Fucked up beyond belief,” Megan finishes. “Are you safe right now?”

“For now. But I don’t know what happens next.”

“You need to get out of there,” Megan says immediately. “Come home. We’ll figure out the rest later.”

“I can’t leave them.”

“We’re here if you need us,” Ezra adds. “Whatever you need. Extraction, backup, someone to hold your hair while you puke from stress. Just say the word.”