Batista's POV
Morning came, but there was no peace in it. The first thing I saw when I opened my eyes was Rain lying beside me, her skin pale, her breathing slow. For a moment, my chest tightened with fear, the same fear I had felt last night when she nearly slipped away.
I couldn't lose her. Not Rain. Not the only light in this dark world.
When her eyes finally fluttered open, relief washed through me, but it was short-lived. She looked weak, tired, as if even the weight of her own body was too heavy.
"Rain," I whispered, brushing her hair back from her face. "We need to go. We have to return to the wasteland. The seer says only the witches there can help you."
Her eyes hardened a little, even in her weakness. "No, Batista. I'm not going back there. Not again. I just want to stay here… with you. Please."
