Killian’s Pov

“Killian,” she said again, standing there like a goddamn miracle. Or a nightmare. I couldn’t tell the difference anymore.

My hands reached for her face before my brain caught up. My fingers trembled against her cheeks.

“Is this really you?” I breathed. “Kate…?”

Her eyes shimmered. That was all I needed. That voice. That look.

It was her.

I pulled her into me, tight, desperate, like the world was ending and she was the only thing keeping it alive. My arms caged her in. I wasn’t letting go.

But… she didn’t hug me back.

She just stood there.

Cold. Still. Silent.

I pulled back, my heart pounding louder...