Emily sat upright, her mind a storm of emotions. Ryan knew now. He had seen a glimpse of the truth, and history told her exactly how this would end—like all the others. They always left, as if she were something less than human. Something broken. She knew it was over before it started.
Her fingers curled into the blanket, doubt clawing at her chest. She couldn't be a burden to him. She wouldn't let herself be.
Forcing herself to move, Emily slowly rose from the bed, her movements hesitant, as if standing on fragile ground. She swallowed hard and managed a soft, sheepish, "Thank you… for letting me rest."
Before she could take another breath, Ryan was in front of her. His hand wrapped gently but firmly around her wrist, stopping her in place. Not wanting her to leave his grip like if she was meant to be there.
"Emily." His voice was low, intimate, pulling her eyes to his. There was something unreadable in his expression—something warm, something dangerous.
Then, he said it.
"I care about you."
Her breath hitched. The words should have felt comforting, but they carried a weight she couldn't quite place. Still, the sincerity in his eyes was undeniable, and against her better judgment, she let it soothe the ache in her heart.
Ryan masked himself well. He knew what she needed in this moment, and he became exactly that. Someone steady. Someone safe.
Kia, standing by the doorway, watched the scene unfold. Unlike Emily, she wasn't fooled. She saw the obsession flicker beneath Ryan's careful mask, but she said nothing. Instead, she forced a reassuring smile, a silent act of trust.
Because if Ryan was going to love Emily, at least she knew he would never abandon her.
———
Inside Emily's mind, the tension was suffocating.
The alters remained unsettled from their mistake, from Echo's rage. The void had shattered, but the cracks it left behind hadn't healed.
Mira and Nia stepped forward, their presence strong yet cautious as they faced Echo.
"We need to talk," Mira said firmly, arms crossed.
Echo's golden eyes flickered with irritation. "There's nothing to talk about."
"There is," Nia countered. "You lost control. You nearly broke her."
Echo's gaze darkened, but he remained silent.
Mira took a step closer, her voice softer now. "You can be angry at us, but don't take it out on her. We all exist to protect her."
Echo's jaw clenched, but for once, he didn't lash out. He just stood there, silent, unreadable.
And for the first time, the system felt like it might find balance again.