Danika’s P.O.V.

Jonah waited patiently while I silently cried.

The phrase “women are created from water” resonated deeply with me at this point — even after crying so much, my tears still wouldn’t stop flowing.

But I promised myself that today would be the last time I would shed a tear for anyone.

Hand in hand, we slowly walked out of the council grounds and deep into the woods. I hadn’t walked past five trees when I heard Dad’s voice.

It was raw, filled with emotions of sadness and regret.

“Danika, please don’t leave,” he pleaded, and I stopped walking.

“Please, come back to me,” he sobbed brokenly, like he...