KELVIN

My eyes remained fixed on Lyra as she laid on the ground. My hand ran across her face gently, her soft skin smeared with dirt and Jason’s blood. She trembled beneath my touch, her breath uneven, her eyes wide with fear and repulse.

“Don’t,” she whispered, her voice hoarse. “Don’t touch me.”

I smiled faintly, though something dark twisted in my chest. “You should be thanking me, Lyra. I saved you.”

She pushed herself up, wiping her face quickly. “You killed him.”

“He was going to hurt you," I said, my voice calm but sharp beneath the surface. “Would you rather I let him live? Let him touch you...