CHAPTER 174: GET OUT

SERAPHINA’S POV

What was Olivia's brother like? What were his hopes and dreams? What did he sound like when he laughed or when he was angry? Was he kind or distant?

These are things that, had I known them, might have made me feel more, be as broken as she is in front of me. But I don’t.

Rather, I wasn’t interested in knowing.

I swallow hard, unable to speak, defend myself, or argue why I care about her, and how she might have misunderstood the entire situation. What could I possibly say after hearing such news?

Her tears, long held back, break free, and she crumbles into a sob that shakes her entire body. I want to take her pain away, or at least share in her grief, but I can't.

I will never truly understand.

“He died two nights after you were gone, while I was waiting for a message or call from you, worrying about if you were safe and okay,” she says bitterly. “I wanted to tell you—I would have if you'd even bothered to see if I was okay.”

“I’m so sorry.” More tears spill from