(Darius' POV)
My heart thudded in my chest as I stared at Ayra, my heart thumping rapidly as I was still trying to make sense of what she had said.
Silence stretched between us. My ears rang, and my voice failed me.
She looked away, clearly struggling to find the words to continue.
I finally managed to speak.
"Ayra... what do you mean you have died before? Please explain better, what's going on?"
She hesitated, fidgeting with the hem of her hospital gown, as if unsure whether to continue to speak or not.
I could see her breathing quicken, and my instincts screamed at me to reach for her, to calm her down, but I stayed still.
"You promised," she finally whispered, her voice shaky. "You promised you wouldn't hate me. That you wouldn't be scared."
I took a step closer and nodded slowly, holding her gaze.
"And I meant every word I said, Ayra. Whatever it is, just say it. You're safe with me."
Tears welled up in her eyes, but she blinked them away quickly.
