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Closing.

The light narrowed.

An inch.

Half.

Gone.

Click.

I stared at the closed door.

What the fuck had I just done?

My hand remained against the wood.

Go back.

Open it.

Knock.

Tell her.

I stood there long enough that she moved again inside.

Close enough that I could hear her.

Close enough to change everything.

I lowered my hand…

And walked away.

42

NYSSA

I didn’t pack a bag. I wasn’t leaving.

Not really.

That’s what I told myself as I stood beneath the shower and let hot water run over my face.

I was going to get answers.

That was all.

Answers.

Then I’d come back.

Back to Blackthorn.

Back to him.

The thought should’ve comforted me. It didn’t. I turned off the water and silence rushed in. I stood there dripping, listening to the water disappear down the drain. Nothing outside the bathroom. No footsteps. No voices. No Alaric.