The warmth of James's arms around me felt like a lifeline in the darkness. His chest rose and fell with steady breaths, and for a moment, I let myself sink into the comfort of his embrace. But deep down, a gnawing feeling twisted in my gut—something wasn't right. He'd come back changed, stronger, but the darkness was still there, lurking just beneath the surface. And no matter how much I wanted to believe in him, a part of me feared the power that had claimed him.
"I don't know if I can do this," I whispered, my voice barely audible as I leaned my forehead against his chest. The words tasted like betrayal on my tongue, but they were the truth.
James stiffened, but his grip on me didn't falter. "Aimee, we've been through hell together. We can get through this."
