Chapter 51

"Ath..." The pain in Orion's voice hit me like a physical blow.

I could see my words were hurting him, but I couldn't take them back. They were true, even if they stung. I couldn't face those sweet, innocent children while I was barely holding myself together.

I couldn't be the aunt they looked up to when I was still jumping at shadows and trembling from memories that felt too fresh.

"Wait, just let me explain how I feel, please," I said quickly, catching sight of Tristan settling onto his motorcycle. He wasn't leaving, just giving us space to talk while making it clear he planned to be...