“I’m scared, Asher,” she admitted, her voice barely a whisper.
He brushed his fingers across her cheek, his eyes filled with determination. “You don’t have to be afraid, Bella. Whatever happens, I’m here with you.” His gaze softened. “Whatever it takes, we’ll face it together.”
A tear slipped from the corner of her eye, and she took his hand in hers, holding it tightly. “Thank you,” she whispered.
They sat together in silence for a long moment, his steady presence grounding her against the storm of pain. But even as she fought the ache and dizziness, Bella felt something else, something deep, fierce, and powerful. For the first time, a sense of strength flickered within her.
Asher’s nerves stretched thin as Bella continued to burn up, her skin hot to the touch and her breaths weak. He
