Demyen fills the empty space on the couch and rests his arm on the back behind me. It feels like he’s holding me while giving me space at the same time.
I appreciate it more than I know how to say.
“How are you holding up?” he softly asks.
I shrug. Good Lord, that movement alone feels heavy. Everything feels so heavy. Am I just as exhausted as he is?
“I should be over the moon that Willow is safe and unharmed, but now, I’m wondering… is she? Or is she permanently traumatized?” Tears sting my eyes. “Did I still lose her?”
“Hey, hey now… Shh…” Demyen pulls me close and kisses the top of my head. I take that as my cue to go ahead and let the tears fall, and he lets me. “None of this is your fault, okay? None of it. If anything, it’s my fault. My war with Raizo should never have reached e
