Chapter 23
Kassia wave pov
Kassia sat in the quiet stillness of her hospital room, her gaze fixed on the window where the afternoon sunlight streamed in thin golden shafts across the tiled floor. Her body was healing—slowly, steadily—but her mind remained heavy with thoughts she hadn't voiced aloud.
She wanted to leave New York.
Not right away—not while her sister Chicago was still in a coma—but soon, after graduation. When the storm finally passed. The city that once felt like opportunity had become a graveyard of memories: broken glass, flashing sirens, and pain that lingered like smoke. Maybe somewhere else, she could start over. Find peace. Breathe again.
The door creaked open, pulling her from her thoughts.
It was her mother.
Caesarea stepped in cautiously, as though uncertain of her welcome. It had been a week since her last visit—since she had walked out of the hospital after telling Christy she wanted to change. Kassia hadn't believed her then. And even now, seeing her standing there in worn clothes and with a softened expression, she didn't know what to believe.
"Kassia," Caesarea said quietly.
"Hi," Kassia replied, her tone equally guarded.
There was a long pause, weighed down with unsaid things. Caesarea glanced around the room as though noticing the space for the first time, though little had changed. The same sterile white walls. The same wilting bouquet of flowers Christy had brought days earlier.
"I see you're awake now," Caesarea said after a moment. "What in the bloody hell were you doing in those people's house?"
Kassia blinked. "Charity invited me. You might've met her."
"Why would she invite you?" Caesarea snapped. "Are you sleeping with her son? You better be collecting money and not giving it for free."
Kassia's chest tightened. "Mother, I'm not dating anyone. The guy in the car was my classmate. I tutor him sometimes. I'm not a prostitute."
Caesarea rolled her eyes. "I need money, Kassia. You better find a way to collect it from these people. Daniel's already sold some of our things."
Before Kassia could respond, a soft knock interrupted the tension.
Caleb stepped inside, his injured arm still in a brace. His smile was warm despite the faint limp in his step.
"Am I interrupting?" he asked, his gaze drifting between Kassia and her mother.
Caesarea stood abruptly. "No. I was just leaving." She turned to Kassia with false politeness. "I'll come by again… if that's okay."
Kassia didn't answer right away. Her mother's tone made her stomach twist. Eventually, she muttered, "Hmm."
Once Caesarea was gone, Caleb eased into the chair beside Kassia's bed.
"You okay?" he asked gently.
"I'm fine," she replied, though her voice was tired.
They sat in silence for a few beats, the air thick with the residue of Caesarea's presence.
"I've been thinking," Kassia said eventually. "After graduation… I might leave New York."
Caleb looked surprised. "Really? Why?"
"I need a fresh start. This city—everything that's happened here—I can't breathe in it anymore. It's like I'm trapped inside my own nightmare."
He nodded slowly. "Makes sense. You've been through more than most people could handle."
She gave him a small, sad smile. "So have you."
He shrugged, wincing a little from the movement. "Yeah, but I'm stubborn."
That made her laugh, just a little.
"We'll probably have to take supplementary exams once we're recovered," Caleb added. "I spoke with one of our professors. They're holding them in July."
"Summer exams," Kassia groaned. "Great."
"We'll survive. Barely."
Another knock at the door announced Christy's arrival. She entered with a grin and a brown paper bag.
"I brought contraband," she whispered dramatically, holding the bag up like a prize.
Kassia's smile widened. "Chocolate chip?"
"Homemade. No nuts this time. I deserve a medal."
Caleb gave her a thumbs-up. "Cookie diplomacy. A noble art."
Kassia chuckled, her first real laugh in days. "I told Caleb already," she said, "but I'm thinking of leaving New York after graduation."
Christy blinked. "Seriously? Where would you go?"
"I don't know yet. Somewhere quiet. Somewhere that doesn't feel like it's always watching."
Christy nodded slowly. "Just… go where you can heal."
Kassia's expression faltered as she glanced at her laptop. "Do you think I should change my application?"
"Oh! That reminds me—Mrs. Cherrymon asked that you submit your applications today before the portal closes. I brought my laptop."
"You're a lifesaver."
"How are the exams without me?" Kassia asked.
"Horrible. I missed you. Everything's confusing. I'm lost without my study twin."
Kassia and Caleb laughed together.
They spent the next hour talking, letting the ordinary rhythm of friendship return. Christy eventually stood and stretched. "I'll be back tomorrow—with more cookies and more sarcasm."
"Thank you for being here," Kassia said quietly.
Christy leaned down to hug her. "Always."
After she left, silence returned, and Kassia leaned back, her gaze drifting to the ceiling. Her thoughts circled back to Chicago. Still unconscious. Still fighting.
A final knock came—firm and familiar.
The door opened, and Cain stepped inside.
He was back in his sharp suit, dark coat draped over one arm. He looked composed but tired. There was a clarity in his eyes that hadn't been there before.
"Cain," Kassia said, sitting up straighter. "What's going on?"
He stepped closer, his tone calm but resolute. "I came to update you. The man who attacked you—who ran you off the road—he's been caught. He's in custody."
Her eyes widened. "You're sure?"
Cain nodded. "They've got enough evidence now—security footage, witness accounts, even your original assault case. He's going to face justice."
Kassia's hands trembled in her lap. "So it's really over?"
Cain's voice lowered, but his conviction didn't waver. "It's not over yet—but it's the beginning of the end. You and your sister will get justice."
Tears stung her eyes. She blinked them away, unable to speak.
"And Chicago?" she whispered.
"She's stable. I've flown in Dr. Sylvia. One of the best neurosurgeons I know. She'll wake up before the week ends. That's a promise."
There was an arrogance to his words—but also a comforting certainty.
Cain turned to leave, then paused at the door. "I'll check in again later. Let me know if you need anything."
She nodded. "I will."
When the door closed behind him, Kassia looked out the window. For the first time in weeks, the city didn't feel like a cage. It felt like something she might one day leave behind—not with fear, but with strength.
Justice was finally within reach. Healing had begun.
And as the late sun painted the sky in amber light, Kassia made a quiet vow to herself:
No one would ever hurt her or Chicago again.
She would rise—not just to survive, but to be someone people respected… and feared.
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Author's note
Chapter 23 - i really hope you enjoy reading this chapter 😊
Xoxo
CC