Casian's arms tightened around her as if letting go would send him spiraling back into that void. He held her like a man desperate to anchor himself to something real—to someone who mattered more than the air in his lungs.
But his body was still healing.
The moment of strength began to fade, and his knees buckled beneath him.
"Casian—!" Lyra reacted instantly, her arms bracing around him.
"I'm fine," he muttered through clenched teeth, but the tremble in his limbs betrayed him.
"No, you're not," she whispered with a softness that held no judgment—only love. "Let me help you."
With gentle guidance, she slipped her arm around his waist and slowly led him back to the bed. He allowed her to support him, every step heavier than the last, until they reached the edge.
