I knew Damien could be cold when pushed, but I never thought he'd break her like that. Not Ava.
I stood by her side in the hallway, people still whispering, eyes still glued to her tear-streaked face. Her breaths came in shallow, quick gasps, and her hands trembled.
"Ava?" I whispered.
She looked lost. Like her heart had just been pulled out of her chest.
And then—she swayed.
"Ava!"
Her knees buckled, and I caught her before she hit the floor. Her head fell against my chest, her body limp in my arms.
The crowd gasped. Someone screamed for help.
I didn't wait.
I picked her up gently and rushed down the corridor, heart pounding in my chest. "Move!" I yelled. "She fainted!"
The nurse's office wasn't enough. I knew it. Her breathing was uneven, her skin pale.
I carried her out of the school and into my car, ignoring every stare and question thrown at me.
"Hold on, Ava," I whispered as I drove faster than I ever had in my life.
---
At the hospital
I sat outside her room, fists clenched, heart racing. The doctors were checking her vitals. They told me she was stable, that it was likely emotional exhaustion and stress. But that didn't make me feel better.
Not when she looked so broken.
Not when I watched her cry seconds before she collapsed.
Not when I saw Damien walking away like it meant nothing.
I ran a hand through my hair and stood up.
He had no right to hurt her like that. No right.
And if he ever tried again... he'd find me standing in his way.
---
(Back at The Enlighteners — Damien's POV)
I stared at my sketchbook. Her face stared back.
God, what have I done?