Page 7 of Fated for Dawn

How could they blame themselves for any of this?

I sat up and slid toward them, reaching out. “I’m the one that failed, not you. I’m supposed to be Hecate’s champion, and I couldn’t save my mate.” My voice cracked.

Their touches didn’t stop, and their soothing words swirled around me. My chest ached with a fierce, unshakable love for them. They were my home, my strength—and somehow, even in my brokenness, they made me feel whole.

Exhaustion tugged at me—a deep weariness that reached into my bones—and I surrendered to it. The last thing I remember was being held in strong arms, the warmth lulling me into a fitful sleep.

When I woke, the room was dimly lit by the soft glow of early morning light. Lucien was beside me, his arm draped protectively around my waist. For a moment, I let myself lean into him, forgetting where I was—forgetting the hole created in my soul.

But then reality crashed back in, and I pulled away. “I’m sorry,” I mumbled, embarrassment heating my cheeks. He’s just a friend, nothing more.

Lucien cut me off with a gentle squeeze. “No, don’t go, Eve,” he whispered. “I need you here.”

I settled back into his arms, letting the comfort of his presence anchor me, and I drifted into sleep once more.

I’m not sure how long I stayed in bed.

Days blended together.

The guys brought me food, and I only got up to use the bathroom. I couldn’t bring myself to do anything else. I felt guilty for not texting my friends, but I didn’t have the strength. The guys kept peeking in, their worried glances making me feel even worse.

The door creaked open, and Chad bounded in, his enthusiasm filling the room like a puppy on caffeine. “Evelyn! You won’t believe what I just saw. A squirrel…wearing a tiny cowboy hat!”

Despite myself, I smiled. “Chad, that’s ridiculous.”

He grinned, plopping onto the bed. “I swear! It was doing a little dance and everything. You gotta come see!”

I reached for his hand, squeezing it gently. “I appreciate the effort, Chad. I really do.” My fingers lingered against his, finding comfort in his warmth. “But could we do a raincheck?”

The thought of getting out of bed made my stomach churn, but I didn’t want him to think it was because of him.

Chad’s smile faltered briefly, something softer flickering in his eyes. Until he rallied, his grin slipping back into place. “Okay, how about I bring the squirrel rodeo in here? Lemme try and catch the little guy.”

I let out a soft laugh as he stood. “Be careful. You might end up as the rodeo.”

He winked. “I like my odds.”

I watched him go, warmth lingering where his hand had been. Then, as the door clicked shut, I let the darkness behind my eyelids grow deeper, and I dreamed.

I dreamed of a world overrun by chaos. One where evil had won. Humans were being slaughtered, the supernatural was divided into warring factions, and those who opposed were drained of their power. I could hear the screams and see the destruction. I could feel the fear—and the pain. Everything was falling apart. I stumbled through the streets, my heart pounding. Blood ran in rivulets down the cracked pavement. I wanted to help, to fight, but my limbs felt like lead.

A familiar voice cried out. I whirled to see Adrien and Raven, bloodied and beaten, being dragged away in chains. Their eyes found mine, pleading.

“Evelyn! Help us!”

I tried to run to them, but my feet were rooted to the ground. As they disappeared into an alley, I heard a sickening crack behind me.

My heart stopped as I turned.

Rafe. My gentle, beautiful Rafe. His wings…Oh god, his wings! Nailed to a wall, dripping with blood. His body hung limp, lifeless.

“No!” I screamed.

My eyes flew open, chest heaving. The quiet of the room felt surreal after the nightmare’s chaos.

I didn’t know if it was a vision of what would come or if Hecate had sent it to show me the cost of giving up. Maybe it was just my mind trying to shake me awake, to remind me I couldn’t stay in bed forever.

I wasn’t that person.

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