Annalise's POV
My breath hitched as the words rang in my ears, each shallow inhale cutting into my chest like a blade. My gaze locked on Atlas, who stood motionless, unfazed by the scene unfolding around us. "Why are they taking him?" The question clawed at my mind, relentless and cruel.
The image of Atlas punching Vincent flickered through my thoughts. Oh no.
"This is because of me," I whispered, the realization wrapping around my throat like a noose. My chest tightened, and I clutched at it, gasping for air that wouldn't come. My blood turned cold as the guards stood firm, their faces slightly shaken but their postures unyielding.
"What will they do to him? What's going to happen? This is my fault. I shouldn't have asked him…" My thoughts spiraled, each one shredding away the fragile peace I'd clung to moments before.
