#Chapter 21: Fractured Pleas

Alexander's POV Seeing Lauren crumpled on the cold floor, pale and trembling, hit me harder than I could have imagined. My knees buckled as I dropped down beside her, my hands finding their way into her soft hair, cradling her head as if that alone could hold her together. Her chest rose and fell in shallow, uneven gasps, her body so fragile it felt like she might shatter beneath my touch. “Lauren,” I murmured, my voice rough and desperate. I leaned closer, my breath brushing against her ear. “I’ve got you. Just breathe. You’re safe now.” She didn’t respond, her wide, unfocused eyes locked on the ground, her fingers trembling as they gripped the edge of her sweater like it was the only thing tethering her to reality. “You need to come back to me,” I said, my words slipping past my throat before I could think. “I’m right here. I have you.” Her head jerked up, our faces suddenly inches apart. Her eyes, once so full of life, now held exhaustion, sadness, and—God help me—resol