Novel's POV

I opened my eyes slowly. The world was a blur at first, but after a few frantic blinks, the room snapped into focus.

Where am I? Then, the weight of it hit me. My body ached, a brutal reminder of the beating I’d taken. I stared up at the ceiling, paralyzed as the memories flooded back like a dark tide.

“Alexei,” I whispered, the name catching in my dry throat.

I didn't regret loving him. Not for a second. But it killed me to see him drowning in self-criticism. I hated how he loathed his own nature, how he convinced himself he wasn't worthy of me. Every time...