Nicky's POV
Nicky lay sprawled on the floor, the tiles cold against his cheek. It felt good, in a way—like the chill could seep into his bones and numb everything inside. His face throbbed, sharp pain radiating from the bridge of his nose. Every breath burned, and he was almost sure it was broken. His ribs ached, his lip split, but none of it compared to the hollow ache tearing through his chest.
Eliana was gone.
He blinked hard, eyes blurring as the thought settled in again, heavier each time it circled back. If only he could drown himself again—sink into that fog, that haze that had held him for days. A week, maybe longer. He'd stopped only yesterday, forced into it when Elias stormed in and tore everything from his hands. Now his body screamed for it, every muscle tight, sweat chilling his skin even as he shook. His stomach twisted with nausea, his jaw clenched so hard it hurt. His skin felt like it was crawling, itching for relief.
But Elias's glare held him in place.
