Red's POV
I thanked Lela for her help, knowing that without her, I wouldn't have been able to see Destiny—not even from a distance. And even though every second of it tore me apart, even though the pain and anger in her eyes burned through me like a blade, I was still grateful.
Destiny is safe, and she is alive. That is all that mattered.
But seeing her again after everything was more complicated than I had imagined. The woman who once smiled so effortlessly, who used to light up any room she walked into, now carried shadows in her eyes.
The scars of Carmen's cruelty etched into her skin made my blood run cold with rage. The sight of them, of the damage done to her, made me want to rip apart the world piece by piece until justice was served.
And yet, despite her torment, she was still Destiny. She still carried the same strength and fire inside her that no scar could ever take away.
I clenched my fists, swallowing the lump in my throat.
