EMMA
I stood in front of the window, my forehead resting against the cool glass. Outside, the night was still and silent, but I saw nothing, only the darkness inside me reflected in the pane.
The heaviness in my chest made it hard to breathe. My throat still burned from crying hours ago, yet no sleep would come. At 3 a.m., I felt nothing but empty and tired. Pain sliced through me like a knife while I kept on wondering who fired the arrow.
Lita had fussed over me earlier, but I'd insisted I was fine and finally managed to convince her to go to bed but I wasn't. I just didn't want to bother her.
Then I felt a strong arm slide around my waist. I hadn't even heard the door open, but then his scent hit me.
Xander.
I relaxed in his arms, though my muscles remained taut.
"You shouldn't be here," I murmured, voice low.
