Riley’s POV

“It’s Daphne…” I whispered, my voice barely holding together, my lips dry as I tried to get the words out.

But I was already out of breath.

My chest felt tight, and my head was spinning badly from everything that had happened. I wasn’t even sure if the words came out clearly or if they just stayed stuck in my throat.

Caden didn’t react.

He didn’t even look down at me.

“Save your strength,” he said instead, his voice firm but not harsh. “Talk later.”

That alone told me he didn’t hear me.

Or maybe he just didn’t understand.

I wanted to say it again.

I wanted to...