The room went dead silent.
No one expected Monica to drop so suddenly. One second she was standing there, the next she was on her knees. It looked so strange it almost felt unreal.
For a moment, I wondered if she had lost her mind.
At first, it looked like she was begging.
Then she lunged forward.
My body reacted before my thoughts did.
Pain flashed through my memory sharp, deep, familiar. My side tightened as if the wound from before was still open. For a split second, it felt like everyone in this house wanted me hurt.
I didn't think.
I moved.
I jumped straight into Lewis's arms, clutching his neck as if the ground had vanished beneath me.
"Lewis " My voice broke. "Help me."
He caught me instantly.
His arms closed around me, firm and steady, his presence pushing everything else back. He rested a hand on my back and patted gently.
"It's okay," he said softly. "You're safe."
Only then did my breathing slow.
Only then did the room feel solid again.
