Evaline:
Everything blurred after that moment when River said, "We'll take you to Draven."
I hardly remembered the part where I tried to walk. I think I made it two steps before my knees gave out and the floor tilted dangerously. The next thing I knew, I was in River's arms - his heartbeat loud against my ear, his grip firm yet trembling slightly as if even he was fighting to stay steady.
No one spoke while he carried me out of the room. Not Kieran, not Oscar, not even River. The silence was unbearable, stretching between us like a thick fog that refused to lift.
Outside, the world looked dim. Maybe it was late evening, or maybe it was just my vision that had dulled, drained of color and light. The cold wind brushed against my skin as River settled me into the backseat of the car. Kieran took the driver's seat, Oscar climbed in beside him, and River stayed in the back with me - his hand on my shoulder the whole time, like he knew I'd break apart if he let go.
