IRIS

The darkness presses in from all sides. I’m curled against the cold floor, my arms wrapped around my knees, trying to hold onto whatever strength I have left.

My body aches in ways I didn’t think possible. Every breath feels heavy, every blink a small victory. I wonder if this is how it ends: alone, in a dark room, waiting for some inevitable fate that I cannot change.

My mind drifts to Darian.

I can almost feel his presence beside me, the way he always did when I needed reassurance. His voice, calm and steady, always knew how to anchor me. I remember the moments we’ve shared, quiet walks...