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She nods and leans forward, allowing me to comfort her.

“I’m sorry, Ev… I shouldn’t have blown up on you.. I was just…”

“I know….”

She peels her head off of me, wiping away her tears with the sleeve of her shirt.

“So… are you guys officially…together….”

My throat constricts at her question. I don’t know how to answer it.Show her. Show her that you belong to him.

I lift the clothing that covers my scar, unable to meet her eyes.

She covers her mouth in shock, and her eyes go wide.

“Oh my god….” she whispers.

The pressure builds behind my eyes.

“I can’t escape him…”

She pulls me into her, allowing me to cry against her, and I break down.

“M-my parents saw it… I had to move out… I- I’ve moved some of my stuff into his house. I just… I don’t understand…”

I catch my breath between sobs as I continue, “I got a text from someone.. I-it was a picture.” Bile rises to my throat. “He was sleeping with someone else… He told me he isn’t… I don’t trust him…”

She squeezes me tighter.

“I-I told him I loved him… h-he didn’t say it back.”

I cry into her shoulder, knowing she has always been my safe place. I thought I knew who I was, but I don’t. I want to hate him, but I love him.

“You know you can always stay with me.”

She hugs me tightly.

“Thank you,” I whisper.Don’t leave him. You are his, remember. He has never lied to you.

* * *

Having Astra back on my side feels good. I felt like I was bursting at theseams. We sat and cried for a good while after I had a mental breakdown. Now, I have to go back to reality. I told her I needed more time before I could move in with her. The voice inside my head is reminding me that so far, he hasn’t lied to me.

I know one thing— I need to know why he stormed out of the room.

I get into the car, and Dante slams his door shut.

“Why are you so mad that we are trying to figure out who killed Amara?” My tone is soft.

“You shouldn’t be asking questions. If you find out something you aren’t supposed to, you’ll end up just like Amara.”

The edge in his voice has the sharpness of a dagger.

“How would you know? It could have been anyone?”

His jaw tenses again, and this time he exhales a long breath.

“Just drop it, okay. Amara’s death doesn’t concern you.”