Down here, mercy doesn’t exist.

—-

Lily’s POV

I cried until the ache loosened it’s grip on my chest, and the tears ran dry but still, Alex said nothing. He didn’t rush me. He simply stayed, a silent fortress, his hand drawing soothing circles across my back in a rhythm that kept me tethered to the present.

Eventually, I pulled away, face hot with shame. “I’m sorry,” I whispered, eyes refusing to meet his.

Alex tilted my chin up with two fingers, his touch firm but reverent. “Don’t apologize. Not to me.” His voice was low, steady. “You’re stronger than you think, Lily. Telling me that—” He exhaled slowly. “that...