Wendy's POV
I tear myself away from the undercity entrance, desperate to escape Nadia and her cutting words. Each step feels like I'm drowning, fighting against invisible currents that want to pull me under.
Her voice haunts me, repeating the same cruel truths until they become a constant drone in my skull. I can't silence them no matter how far I run.
Javier stays close beside me, his warmth radiating against my skin. The urge to reach for him burns through my chest, but I force my hands to remain at my sides. Not now. I can't afford the weakness.
My legs give out without warning. The world tilts and I stumble to a halt, gasping for air that refuses to fill my lungs properly.
"Wendy?" His voice carries worry that makes my heart clench.
I shake my head violently, trying to block out the pull between us. But his heartbeat pounds in rhythm with mine, drowning out rational thought. He represents everything forbidden, yet I need him like oxygen.
