DANE'S POV

The pain kept jolting through my body, like waves crashing into me, pausing for a moment, and then crashing back again. It was relentless and overwhelming.

My mind was consumed with thoughts of Astrid. I had tried calling her several times, but there was no answer.

I couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. Now, as I sit here, I can't help but regret all the mistakes I've made and the choices I’ve made.

Each decision feels like a heavy burden, and I’m filled with regret for not doing things differently.

If only I hadn’t spent so much time waiting to meet with that stranger, who...