109
~Damon's POV
"I…" The word slipped out before I could stop it, but then I let it hang there, useless. My chest felt tight, and the air between us seemed heavier than it had been a moment ago.
So instead of fumbling for words that wouldn't come, I set the bowl back down and shifted closer to the bed. I reached for the blanket pooled at her waist and pulled it gently up to her chest.
She didn't resist, but look away, just kept her eyes on the other direction with that same lost expression.
"You should rest," I murmured, smoothing the edge of the blanket with my fingers. "Don't think about anything right now. Just… rest."
Her lips parted like she wanted to say something, but then she closed them again, exhaling slowly.
I didn't push. I just reached for the glass of water on the nightstand, poured it halfway, and set it on the table within her reach.
"If you get thirsty later, it's right here," I murmured, my voice softer now, like even a wrong tone could break her further.
