212
~Lisa's POV
Damon's hand was still wrapped around mine, warm and steady. The guards stood like statues along the wall, and the maids moved about quietly, arranging trays of food. Everything felt too heavy, too guarded, too loud, even in silence.
I swallowed, my voice soft. "Thank you, Damon. For all of this. For the guards. For the maids. For protecting me."
His eyes softened, but he didn't speak. He only squeezed my hand gently, waiting for me to continue.
I lowered my head. "I… I am actually scared. Damon, I am scared."
His brows furrowed, and he leaned closer. "Of what, Lisa?"
I bit my lip, tears burning behind my eyes. My hand rested on my belly. "I don't want to die. Not me. Not the baby. I…" My voice cracked, and the words broke out of me. "I don't want to die."
"Lisa." His voice was firm, but low. He reached out and tilted my chin until my eyes met his. "You will not die. Do you hear me? I will not allow it. Not while I breathe. Not while I live."
