Chapter 121: Coming Into Acceptance

LIANA

The words hit me like a sledgehammer, knocking the breath from my lungs.

A strangled cry escaped my lips as tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision with their salty sting.

"No," I whispered, the word barely audible as my mind struggled to process the reality of Daniel's announcement. "No, this can't be happening."

Zaylen wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close as I buried my face against his chest, the dam of my emotions breaking free in a torrent of grief. It felt like the world had come crashing down around me, leaving nothing but a hollow ache in its wake.

"Kiara," I sobbed, my voice muffled against Zaylen's shirt.

Zaylen's grip tightened, his hand rubbing soothing circles on my back.

I felt my knees buckle, and I slumped onto the hospital bench, my legs unable to support the weight of my sorrow.

While I did have a nagging bad feeling, I never wanted it to be true. I was praying so desperately for her to be okay. How could this happen?

Zaylen sat beside me, hi