ZAYNA

I rushed down the hall my heart pounding as I neared Lukan's room. Even from the doorway I could feel the heavy silence like the entire room was holding its breath with him. This was the first time I was coming to see him in his room, he lay there, still and pale and for the first time I felt... afraid.

Julietta was already at his bedside, her face etched with worry as she brushed his hair back tenderly.

I swallowed the sting of jealousy that twisted in my chest. How badly I wanted to be in her place, to have that right .

But I didn't and I...