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“I will always kill for you. Even if it’s my own flesh and blood. You’ll always be mine, Evelyn. No one will take that from me.”

My heart warms and aches simultaneously.He killed his father for you. He will do anything to keep you. He loves you.

* * *

I crack open my eyes and see the morning light filter through the cold room. From what I gathered yesterday, I had been in here for three days. Today is day number four.

The first two and a half days I was in a coma like state, and unresponsive. My body still aches, and I have trouble keeping down my food because my throat burns. I’ve had a headache and have slept for hours, but I feel like it’s still not enough. They said it will wear off, but ittakes time.

Dante sat with me yesterday, never leaving my side after I woke up. I told him he could go, but he insisted on staying.

After he explained everything to me, it all made sense. I wish it didn’t have to be that way. A part of me will never forgive him for what he has done, but on the other hand, I would have died if he hadn’t.

I almost died despite the measures he had taken to ensure my safety, and I think that is what hurts me the most.

The doctors made me stay overnight to make sure I wasn’t suicidal. I don’t feel like I want to die anymore. I feel guilty for putting everyone through so much stress over it. My parents stopped by late last night to talk to me. We discussed our falling out and agreed to start fresh.

After I get released they said they would love to have Dante and I over for dinner. The promise warmed my heart. I never thought they would come around, but I suppose nearly losing me made them change their minds. I can’t complain.

Dante stares out the window. His black shirt and black jeans hug his frame tightly. He is beautiful. I love how he manages to look so calm and collected, despite the world being on fire around him.

“Ms. Blackwell?”

A man enters the room carrying a stack of papers. I smile at him softly.

“I have your discharge paperwork. Do you have a ride ready?”

Dante looks at me and nods.

“Yes.” My words are quiet. I’m not sure where to go from here.

The man holds out a clipboard, and I sign off on the papers.

“Please call us if your condition doesn’t improve or worsens.” He smiles and exits the room.

“Let’s take you home, princess.” Dante leans over the bed, placing a soft kiss on my cheek.

I love him. I love him so much it fucking hurts.He will never tell you he lovesyou. You have to accept that. He doesn’t love anybody.

* * *

The day went by in the blink of an eye. I lay in Dante’s bed, staring at him as he goes into the bathroom. He is so beautiful—his mind, body, and soul. I wish it didn’t happen the way it did. I understand he made a difficult choice. I’m glad I wasn’t the one to be killed, but why did someone HAVE to die? I’m so happy I will never have to meet his father.

I don’t know how I’m going to let Astra know why he did it. If she had to choose between her best friend and her sister, I know she would always choose her sister. I hate that I am the reason her sister is dead. I killed Amara in a sense. That guilt will weigh heavily on my shoulders for as long as I live.

He emerges from the bathroom, and my stomach sinks.

“W-what did you do?” My voice comes out quietly as I see him shirtless for the first time after leaving the hospital.

He glances down, and his finger trails over the writing. He placed it exactly where mine is.

“I’m yours, baby.”

My lip quivers, and I want to cry. He did this for me.

“W-when did you do that…?”

“On the second day. I didn’t want to lose you.”