Good Dog

by Mercy Vale

Stumbling upon a dog one day, Tori has no idea that this one small act will open the door to things she never expected. She learns that sometimes, the most unexpected bonds can change everything. (We hit 50k views :o that is so cool! We also just broke 200k words. Freaking insane. I love you all!)

38. A Hero in the Dark

Here it is, the chapter that might be the most difficult one I've written yet, for this story at least.

Do not read until you check these! T/W: Attempted Assault, Graphic Violence, Blood, Near-Death.

As stated in the previous chapter, do not read if any of these will affect you in any way. I could care less about views and just want you all to stay safe and avoid content you do not want.- Mercy

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Chapter Thirty-Seven

A Hero in The Dark

The house is alive with energy, and the number of people milling about inside is overwhelming. I wasn't expecting to see this many people and even Shelby, who always seems to thrive in social settings, raises an eyebrow at the crowd.

"Wow," she mutters under her breath as we weave through people. "Didn't think it'd be this packed."

Skye glances around, scanning the room with that calm, analytical gaze of hers. "Seems like word got out. You know how it goes."

"As long as people stay out of my room, I'm cool with it." Shelby just shrugs, her easy grin returning as she nudges me forward. "Guess it's time to make some introductions. Don't worry, Popstar. You'll fit right in."

We make our way to a smaller group near the kitchen, where a few people are chatting and laughing. Shelby steps in with her usual confidence, catching their attention immediately.

"Hey, guys," she says, raising a hand in greeting. "Meet my sister, Tori."

All eyes shift to me, and I can't help but feel like I've just stepped onto a stage unprepared. Thankfully, Dante comes up and introduces me as 'the twin Shelby kept hidden in the basement'. Everyone laughs and that eases the tension for me a bit.

Next to him, a tall guy with curly brown hair and wire-rimmed glasses gives a friendly nod. "I'm Levi. Shelby's been hyping you up, so it's nice to finally meet you."

"Same here," I reply, trying to keep my voice steady.

The introductions keep coming as Shelby gestures to the others. "That's Aaron, Becka, Tyler, Leena, and Mila. We all lived together here with a few other people. And yeah, it's kind of a circus tonight, but we're all pretty much like a dysfunctional family here."

Aaron, a muscular guy with a warm smile, gives a small wave. "Don't let her fool you. We're only dysfunctional because of her."

"Speak for yourself," Becka quips, elbowing him in the side. She's petite but clearly carries herself with authority, her dark hair pulled into a sleek ponytail.

Leena, a tall woman with sharp cheekbones and blond hair, grins at me. "You're Shelby's sister? Does that mean you can fight too?"

"Not even close," I admit, laughing nervously. "I've just been training with Shelby for a while."

"She's got potential," Shelby says, throwing an arm around my shoulders. "Don't let her downplay it."

Mila, who's been quiet until now, chimes in with a gentle smile. "It's nice to meet you, Tori. Shelby talks about you non-stop."

"I'm starting to figure that out." I glance at Shelby, who smirks but doesn't deny it.

"She's proud," Skye says softly, stepping up beside me. Her presence, as always, feels comfortable and reassuring, and I'm grateful for it.

The group seems friendly enough, their easy banter making me feel a little less out of place. Still, the sheer size of the party and the noise level are a lot to take in. Shelby must notice because she leans in close to me.

"Stick with me, and you'll be fine," she says. "If anyone gives you a hard time, just let me know."

"Thanks," I reply, feeling a little more at ease.

She turns back to the group, launching into some inside joke that has them all cracking up. Skye stays close, her quiet presence a contrast to Shelby's boisterous energy.

Dante grins as he gestures for us to follow him. "Come on, let me show you the spread. You've gotta know how to eat if you're hanging with this crew."

We wind our way through the crowd toward the kitchen, where I'm immediately hit with the smell of grilled meat, spices, and freshly baked bread. The counter is covered with dishes—trays of steak, chicken, and fish; bowls of rice, pasta, and potatoes, and an array of desserts that looks like it could cater an entire wedding.

"Whoa," I blurt, wide-eyed. "Did you rob a buffet or something?"

Dante bursts out laughing, leaning against the counter. "Not far off, honestly. When you've got a house full of fighters, you need this much food just to keep everyone from turning into hangry monsters."

Shelby strides over to the counter like this is her natural habitat. She picks up a plate and starts piling it with alarming efficiency. A mountain of steak, rice, and vegetables grows before my eyes, and she doesn't seem the least bit concerned about how much she's stacking.

"Shelby, seriously?" I tease. "You're feeding yourself, not prepping for a famine."

She looks up, chewing on a piece of steak she already snagged from the platter. "What? Protein's important."

Dante smirks, leaning against the counter. "This is nothing if you've seen her after a fight. She's like a literal pit."

"Better than you raiding the fridge at midnight," Shelby shoots back, pointing a fork at him.

Skye steps up next to me, holding a modest plate of food. She glances at Shelby's plate and then at mine, her lips twitching in amusement. "Don't let her intimidate you. You're allowed to take normal portions."

"Good to know," I say, grabbing a plate and carefully picking a few things.

"You don't have to be shy," Dante says. "Seriously, eat up. We always have leftovers, and anything that doesn't get eaten tonight will probably be someone's breakfast tomorrow."

"Or lunch," Shelby adds between bites.

I can't help but laugh as I add some rice and chicken to my plate. The whole scene feels chaotic but strangely welcoming. Everyone moves around the kitchen like they've done this a hundred times, and it's clear this isn't just a party—it's a ritual, a way of life for these people.

Shelby, now with her plate balanced in one hand and a drink in the other, nods toward me. "Told you you'd fit in."

I smile, feeling a little more at ease. "Guess I'll just have to keep up with you."

"Good luck with that," Dante says, grinning. "Nobody keeps up with Shelby when it comes to food."

Shelby smirks at Dante as he leans casually against the counter. Without warning, she flicks a bite of steak off her fork, aiming it right at him. "Think fast!"

Dante reacts instantly, tilting his head back and catching the bite in his mouth like a seasoned pro. "Still got it," he says around the mouthful, grinning as he chews.

"Barely," Shelby shoots back with a laugh.

I shake my head, chuckling at their antics as I move to sit with Skye at one of the smaller kitchen tables. Skye's plate is modest, almost dainty compared to Shelby's, and I suddenly feel less self-conscious about how carefully I portioned mine.

We eat quietly at first, the sounds of laughter and conversation filling the space around us. I glance toward Shelby, who's back at the counter, still working her way through her towering plate of food.

"Does she always eat like that?" I ask Skye, keeping my voice low.

Skye nods, a small smile playing on her lips. "Always. It's kind of insane, right? She burns through calories like no one else I've ever met."

"Clearly," I mutter, watching Shelby stab another massive piece of steak and pop it into her mouth like it's nothing. "If I ate like that, I'd be twice my size."

Skye chuckles softly. "She's got the training to back it up. All the workouts, sparring, and cardio—it balances out."

"Still feels like she's defying the laws of nature," I say, shaking my head in disbelief as Shelby moves on to demolish her rice.

"She's just Shelby," Skye replies, shrugging. There's a touch of fondness in her tone, and I can't help but notice how her gaze lingers on Shelby for a moment before she turns back to her food.

I pick at my plate, still mesmerized by how Shelby is practically inhaling her meal while holding her own in a conversation with Dante and one of the other fighters. This is all natural for her. This is Shelby's world, and I'm finally experiencing it.

"Does she ever slow down?" I ask, half-joking.

Skye smirks, her shyness melting just a bit. "Not really. She's like this on and off the mat. Full speed ahead."

"Good to know," I reply, smiling as I take another bite.

Shelby finishes her plate with a satisfied sigh, setting it down on the counter like she just conquered a small country. "Alright, slowpokes. Ready to move?" she teases, glancing at Skye and me.

I stare at her empty plate, then down at my own half-finished meal. "How did you eat all that so fast?"

She grins, already stepping away from the kitchen. "Talent, Tori. You can't teach it."

Skye shakes her head fondly, rising to follow Shelby. "You're unbelievable," she mutters, though her tone carries a certain warmth.

I finish my food, setting my plate with theirs and following them out of the kitchen. We weave through the crowd, Shelby nodding or waving at people she knows, which seems to be nearly everyone. She carries herself with an ease I can't help but admire, she's so confident no matter where she is.

Eventually, we step outside, the cool night air a welcome break from the crowded house. The backyard is sprawling, with strings of lights casting a warm glow over everything. Off to the side, a small group of guys is playing basketball on a half-court.

"Nice setup," I comment, taking it all in.

"Dante's place is the go-to for this kind of thing," Shelby explains, hands in her pockets. "Big space, chill vibe. Perfect for blowing off steam."

One of the players misses a shot, and the ball bounces in our direction. Without thinking, Shelby steps forward, snatches it mid-bounce, and lines up a shot.

Her form is effortless—knees bent, wrist flicking with precision. The ball arcs gracefully through the air before swishing cleanly through the net.

The guys on the court let out a collective, "Ooooh!"

"Clean," Shelby says, flashing a cocky grin as she tosses the ball back.

I can't help but laugh, watching her. "Do you just excel at everything?"

Shelby shrugs, pretending to inspect her nails. "Pretty much."

The players invite her to join, but she waves them off with a playful smirk. "Maybe later. Don't wanna ruin your confidence just yet."

As we walk further into the yard, I glance at her, taking in how she seems so at ease. She's not just my sister. She's this powerhouse of energy and charisma, seamlessly navigating a world that's so different from my own.

I take in the scene around me—fairy lights strung between trees, the distant hum of conversation, and Shelby's relaxed stride beside me. Everything about this party feels full of energy and vibrance.

I bite my lip, mulling over the question buzzing in my head. Once we're far enough from the chaos, I finally find the courage to ask.

"Hey, Shelby," I start, keeping my voice low.

She glances at me, her brow quirking. "What's up?"

I hesitate for a second, kicking at the grass. "Do you… do you ever think my life is boring compared to all this? You know, the quiet stuff, school, my music, staying home with Jade…"

Shelby stops walking and turns to face me fully. "Boring?" she repeats, like the word itself is foreign to her.

I shrug, suddenly feeling self-conscious. "I mean, look at you. You're at parties like this, surrounded by friends, always doing something exciting. And me? I'm just—"

"Hold up," Shelby interrupts, holding a hand up. "Stop right there, Tori."

I blink at her, surprised by the seriousness in her tone.

"First of all," she says, folding her arms, "your life is not boring. You're chasing your dream, working on your music, and let's not forget you're about to sign a contract with Platinum freaking Records. That's huge, Tori. Most people would kill to have that kind of passion and focus."

"But it's not—"

"It's not what I do?" she cuts in, smirking. "Yeah, because we're different. And that's a good thing. I fight for a living, you create music. Neither one is better or worse. It's just us being who we are."

I look at her, unsure how to respond.

"And honestly?" Shelby adds, her smirk softening into a genuine smile. "I think it's pretty badass that you're doing something you love. Not everyone has the guts to chase their dream. So don't sell yourself short, okay?"

Skye, who's been quiet this whole time, chimes in softly. "She's right, Tori. It takes a lot to put yourself out there the way you do."

I glance between the two of them, my chest warming at their words. "Thanks, guys," I murmur, a small smile tugging at my lips.

Shelby nudges me playfully. "Anytime, Popstar. Now, let's get back to the fun before they start wondering where their favorite twin disappeared to."

As we head back into the house, the energy feels just as alive as when we left. The music pulses louder, laughter spills out from every corner, and the hum of chatter fills the air. Shelby leads the way, her confident stride cutting through the crowd like it's second nature.

I'm distracted by the noise when a particularly off-key rendition of a pop song catches my attention. I glance toward the source and spot a group gathered around a makeshift karaoke setup in the main room. Two of the guys I'd met before are on the mic, belting out the wrong notes and wrong lyrics with absolute abandon.

"Wow," I say, stifling a laugh. "That's… ambitious."

Shelby looks over and grins. "That's Levi and Aaron for you. They're, uh, definitely better in the ring than on the mic."

One of the guys finishes his part with an exaggerated bow, met by a mix of cheers and good-natured boos. It's chaos, but everyone seems to be having a blast.

Shelby suddenly turns to me, her eyes lighting up with an idea that makes my stomach sink. "Tori," she says, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.

"No," I say immediately, already knowing where this is going.

"Oh, come on!" Shelby nudges me with her elbow. "You're the singer. This is your moment!"

I shake my head, laughing nervously. "Yeah, no. Not happening. I am so not following that train wreck."

"But it'd be so much better than this," she teases, gesturing toward the guys now trying to harmonize and failing spectacularly. "Save their ears, Sis."

I laugh harder, stepping back as she makes a playful attempt to drag me toward the mic. "Maybe later," I say, holding my hands up in mock surrender. "Like, way later. When no one is paying attention."

Shelby pouts dramatically but relents, letting me off the hook. "Fine. But I'm holding you to that."

"Sure," I say, knowing full well I'll find a way to avoid it entirely.

Skye, standing nearby, chuckles softly. "You'll have to get her on stage when she least expects it," she tells Shelby, her tone light and conspiratorial.

"Don't give her ideas!" I protest, but it only makes them laugh more as we walk away to explore more of the party.

Shelby stops and dives into a conversation with a few others, laughter and easy banter flowing effortlessly. I hang back, watching them for a moment. Shelby gestures animatedly while Skye, though more reserved, chimes in here and there.

I don't want to interrupt their moment, so I decide to wander. The house is massive, way bigger than it looked from the outside, and every room seems to be filled with people. Some are clustered on couches, others standing around sharing stories or playing games. The energy is vibrant, almost magnetic.

I move past the living room where the karaoke crew is still at it, their latest victim tackling a pop ballad that's just slightly out of their range. It draws a smile out of me as I step through the archway into another part of the house.

The decor is sleek and modern, but there's a warmth to it, too. Personal touches—photos, trophies, even a few framed fight posters—hint at the life and personality of the fighter who calls this place home. It's like getting a glimpse into a side of Shelby's world I've never really understood.

In the hallway, I pause by a shelf lined with more framed photos. Most are of Shelby's friends—action shots from matches, candid group photos from parties like this one, and a few professional-looking portraits. It's clear that these people are more than just teammates. They're family.

Then, one guy approaches with a self-assured grin that immediately puts me on edge. He's tall, with sharp features and a relaxed posture that screams confidence.

"Maverick," he says, holding out his hand. "You're Tori, right? Shelby's twin?"

I shake his hand, offering a polite smile. "That's me. Nice to meet you."

He holds onto my hand just a beat too long before letting go, his eyes studying me with an intensity.

"So, you're not into the fighting world, huh?" he asks, leaning against the wall, swirling a bottle of beer before taking a drink.

"Not really," I admit, keeping my tone light. "Shelby's the fighter. I just train at her gym sometimes."

"Ah," he says with a nod, taking a drink of his beer. "Well, from what I hear, you're getting into the music business. Platinum Records?"

I hesitate. "Something like that. I haven't signed anything yet."

"That's big," he says, his grin widening. "You're not just talented, then—you're ambitious."

I shift my weight, feeling a little uneasy under his gaze. Before I can respond, Maverick's tone turns casual, almost too casual.

"So," he says, "you single?"

I blink, caught off guard by the abruptness of the question. "Actually, I'm engaged. To my fiancée, Jade."

For a moment, his confident mask falters, but he recovers quickly, giving a shrug and a crooked smile. "Figures. All the hot ones are taken or gay."

There's a lightness in his tone, but the comment still rubs me the wrong way. I force a polite smile. "Yeah, sorry."

Maverick chuckles, lifting his hands in mock surrender. "No harm in asking. Enjoy the party, Tori."

He saunters off, leaving me standing there, trying to shake off the awkwardness of the encounter. I glance toward Shelby and Skye, who are chatting with a group of fighters near the kitchen. Skye's posture is relaxed for once, her quiet confidence shining as she listens to the conversation.

As I mingle, a few of the female fighters approach me, introducing themselves with warm smiles and firm handshakes. They're all incredibly friendly, and the energy in the room starts to feel less overwhelming as I connect with a few of them. They ask about music, share stories from their own careers, and I can't help but be impressed by their strength and confidence.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spot a familiar face making its way toward me, and I freeze for a moment.

It's Irina Belikov.

My mind flashes back to the first fight I saw of Shelby's after we found out we were twins, and I can almost feel the tension in the air again. I remember how Irina pulled that cheap shot—an elbow to Shelby's cheek, right when the round was over. I hated seeing it, especially since Shelby was already so drained, but she didn't show it.

Now, here I am, standing face to face with her.

Irina's eyes flicker over me as she approaches, and her expression softens just a little. She's a lot taller than me, with thick muscles and an intense presence, but when she smiles, there's something disarming about it.

"Tori, yes?" she says, her thick Russian accent thickening the syllables.

I nod, trying not to feel too awkward. "Yeah. It's nice to meet you, Irina."

She laughs, her voice a deep, gravelly sound. "Nice to meet you, too. Shelby talks about you a lot. How are you liking the party?"

"It's great. A lot to take in, but great," I reply, smiling a little. "Everyone's been really nice. A lot of new faces, but I'm starting to get the hang of it."

She glances around, her eyes scanning the crowd before landing back on me. "You're not the only one who felt like that. I remember my first party with Shelby's friends. It's a lot of energy, yes?"

I laugh. "Definitely. But it's not too bad. Honestly, it's been a lot of fun."

Irina nods, though her face turns more serious for a moment. "Good. Shelby deserves fun, yes? She's worked hard for it." She pauses, looking at me with a hint of something like understanding. "And you, too. I hear you will do music. Very good. You have big potential, Tori."

I'm a little surprised by the compliment, but I thank her all the same. "Thanks. That means a lot, coming from you."

She waves it off with a dismissive gesture. "Don't worry about me. I fight, but music is art, yes? You make art with your voice."

I smile, feeling a bit more at ease.

But then I remember the fight again. The memory of Shelby's eyes burning with anger, and before I can stop myself, I blurt out, "You know, I watched your fight with Shelby a while back. You threw an elbow. Was that... on purpose?"

Irina's face hardens, but only for a second. Then she lets out a deep sigh, rubbing her forehead.

"Ah, yes. The elbow." Her tone is almost apologetic, and I'm caught off guard by the change. "It was... heat of the moment. I wasn't thinking clearly and let my frustration get better of me." She looks at me, her expression serious. "I'm glad I didn't win that fight. Shelby, she deserves to win. Tiny little thing, but strong."

I don't quite know how to respond to that, so I just nod, absorbing the sincerity in her words.

She seems to notice my hesitation and smirks a little. "I've learned a lot since that fight. I have respect for your sister."

I smile, relieved to hear it. "She's definitely something else."

She nods back, her smile returning. "She is. And don't worry. I don't throw cheap shots now. I've learned."

I chuckle softly, feeling the tension ease between us. "Good to know," I tease. "I'm sure Shelby appreciates that too."

Irina laughs and pats me on the back, almost knocking me off balance with the force of it. "I hope so."

We talk for a bit more before she leaves to get a new drink. As she walks away, I can't help but feel a little more relaxed. Despite everything that happened in the ring, it seems like she's truly turned over a new leaf. I watch her join a group of other fighters, and I realize that Shelby has surrounded herself with people who respect her and have her back, even if they have some history that isn't always perfect.

I continue chatting with people, easing into the relaxed vibe of the party. The initial nerves are gone, and I'm starting to enjoy myself. Conversations flow around me, mostly questions about my music or how Shelby and I reconnected.

"Hey, Tori! You and Shelby should come play with us!"

I turn to see a couple of guys by the TV, one of them waving a controller in the air with a grin.

Shelby, still chatting with Skye, glances over her shoulder at the mention of her name. I smile back at the guys. "I'm not much of a gamer, but I'm up for trying."

One of them chuckles. "We'll go easy on you—maybe."

Shelby turns fully, raising an eyebrow as she and Skye come over to me. I give her a questioning look. "What do you think?"

She shrugs, her competitive spirit already igniting. "Sure, why not? But don't expect me to go easy on anyone."

I laugh. "Noted."

We head over to the couch, where they've got a console hooked up to a massive TV. As we sit down, they hand us controllers. Shelby immediately starts fiddling with hers like she's been playing for years, while I try to figure out what we're even playing.

"What are we playing?" I ask.

"Smash Bros," one of the guys says, grinning. "It's perfect for when we want to beat each other up without pissing off our managers."

I nod, trying to look confident. "Alright, sounds good."

The game starts, and chaos erupts on the screen. I have no idea what I'm doing, and it shows. Shelby's character is dominating, taking out everyone in her path, including me.

She smirks at me after knocking my character off the platform. "Keep up, sis."

I laugh, fumbling with the buttons. "Yeah, yeah, I'm trying!"

The guys are encouraging, offering tips and laughing when I finally manage to land a hit on someone. Shelby, of course, takes the opportunity to knock my character off again, but she's clearly enjoying herself.

"Don't pull your punches," one of the guys says. "Even beginners have a shot in this game."

"Don't encourage her!" Shelby jokes, shooting me a teasing look as she takes out another player.

Despite my lack of skill, I start to get the hang of it—or at least enough to stay in the game for longer than a few seconds. When I finally manage to land a solid hit on Shelby's character, sending her flying, the room erupts in cheers.

I turn to her, grinning. "Not bad for a beginner, huh?"

She smirks, narrowing her eyes playfully. "That was a fluke."

We keep playing for nearly an hour, the time flying by. The guys are competitive but friendly, Shelby is in her element, and I'm just happy to be a part of it.

As the laughter from the game echoes around me, I decide to grab another drink. The kitchen isn't far, and I figure it'll give me a moment to cool off after being absolutely destroyed by Shelby in the last round. I weave through the partygoers, offering polite smiles here and there, and head toward the kitchen. The noise in the main room fades slightly as I step into the quieter hallway.

Before I can take another step, a hand grabs my arm. The grip is firm, and before I can even process what's happening, I'm being yanked into a room. The door is shut and it's dark as I'm pushed back, the back of my legs hitting the edge of a bed. I fall back and I feel the weight of someone looming over me. My heart races, my mind scrambling to catch up. "Good thing you're not as strong as Shelby…"

It's Maverick… His breath reeks of alcohol, and his eyes are wild with a mix of anger and something darker. "You should have given me a chance…" he slurs, his words tumbling out as he grabs my wrist to hold me down.

"What are you doing? Get off me!" I yell, struggling against him, but he's so much stronger than I am.

He doesn't listen. His lips crash against mine, forceful and sloppy, and my stomach churns with disgust. I twist my head away, gasping for air, but his hands are on me. I feel the panic rise in my chest as his hands roughly grab at my shirt, yanking open the buttons.

"Stop! Let me go!" I scream, my voice shrill with panic.

Instinct takes over. My free hand curls into a fist, and I swing with everything I have. My knuckles connect with his face, and he jerks back with a grunt of pain.

"You little—" he starts, but I don't give him a chance to finish. I scream again, this time louder, calling for the only person I can think of. "Shelby!"

Maverick lunges forward, his hand clamping over my mouth to muffle my cry when suddenly the next sound is a crash—the door splintering off its hinges. I glimpse Shelby storming into the room like a force of nature. Her eyes blaze with fury, taking in the scene in an instant.

"Get the fuck off her!" she roars.

Before Maverick can react, Shelby tackles him with a ferocity I've never seen before. He's ripped off of me and crashes to the floor with Shelby on top of him, her fists slamming into him.

Maverick flails, trying to shield himself, but Shelby's relentless. I scramble off the bed, my body shaking as I press myself against the wall and clutch my now ruined shirt closed, trying to catch my breath.

I can barely move, still too stunned, my chest heaving as I try to steady my breath. But then, from the growing crowd who came to see what's going on, Mila hurries over. She doesn't say anything, but she takes off her sweater and puts it on me. Her movements are gentle and careful, like she knows how exposed I feel right now. I look up at her with wide eyes as I grip her arm, grateful for the kindness.

"Thank you," I whisper hoarsely, not knowing what else to say.

"Don't worry about it," she says quietly, her voice reassuring. "We've got you."

Dante appears past the crowd next, his eyes wide with shock. "What's going on?"

"Call the cops, now!" Shelby barks, not taking her eyes off Maverick as she pins him to the ground. Her voice is cold, controlled, but I can see the rage on her face. "And tell them to hurry up before I kill him for putting hands on my sister." She growls, one hand on his face to stop him from lifting his head.

Dante doesn't hesitate, pulling out her phone and stepping back into the hallway.

Shelby looks up at me, her expression softening slightly. "You okay, Tori?"

I nod, though tears are spilling down my cheeks, and my voice trembles as I say, "I-I think so." I press myself harder against the wall, shaking, as he manages to free one of his arms and reaches into his pocket.

The flash of a blade sends a chill down my spine.

"Shelby!" I scream, but it's too late. No one can move fast enough.

The blade plunges into Shelby's side, just below her ribs. She grunts but doesn't stop. It's like she doesn't even feel it. Her adrenaline is a tidal wave, drowning out everything else. Shelby grabs his wrist and slams it against the floor until he drops the knife. Blood stains her shirt, but she doesn't falter. With a punch that gave off a sickening crack, she knocks Maverick out cold with one blow. He gives one final groan before his entire body goes limp.

Skye pushes her way through the crowd, her face pale as she takes in the scene—Shelby pinning Maverick to the ground, blood seeping through her shirt, and me trembling against the wall. "Shelby!"

"I'm fine," Shelby grits out, her voice strained. She glances up at Skye and then at the others crowding the doorway. "Hold him down," she orders, nodding toward Maverick's unconscious form. "Don't let him move."

"You're not fine!" Skye cries, her eyes wide as she runs over to Shelby, her hands moving in the air around her as though she weren't sure where to place them. "You're bleeding!"

Shelby's lips twitch in a weak attempt at a smirk. "It's nothing. Just a scratch." But even as she says it, her body sways, and she leans heavily to one side.

"Like hell it's a scratch!" Skye snaps, her usual shyness replaced with sharp determination. She presses her hands against Shelby's side, trying to stem the bleeding.

I push myself off the wall, my legs shaky, and rush to Shelby's other side. "You're hurt. You need to lie down," I say, my voice cracking.

Shelby shakes her head, her expression still fierce despite the blood staining her hands and the growing pallor of her skin. "Not until I know he's not going anywhere," she mutters, glaring down at Maverick.

Shelby's bravado lasts only a moment longer before her strength gives out as her knees buckle. She collapses to the floor, catching herself with one hand. Her breathing is labored now, and the color drains from her face. The room spins around me as I rush to her side, tears streaming down my face.

"Stay awake, Shelby," I beg, gripping her hand tightly as my other hand goes to her side, trying to help stop the bleeding. "You're going to be okay."

The room feels too small, too crowded, as people scramble to call for help. Skye screams for towels and Shelby's eyes meet mine, her usual confidence flickering beneath the pain.

"Don't worry, Popstar," she whispers, forcing a weak smile. "This is nothing…"

Skye presses a towel someone hands her against Shelby's wound, her hands trembling, and I help apply pressure. "Help's on the way. Just hold on."

The room is chaos. Skye's hands are soaked in blood as she presses down on Shelby's side, her pale face taut with focus and fear. I'm kneeling next to them, gripping Shelby's hand tightly, trying to keep her awake.

"You're okay, Shelby," I whisper, my voice trembling. "Help is coming. Just hang in there."

Shelby's lips quirk into a faint, weak grin. "Tori... you worry too much," she murmurs, her voice barely audible.

"Shut the fuck up, Shelby!" Skye snaps, her usual quiet demeanor shattered. "You're bleeding out. J-just stop talking…" Shelby's eyes grow wide as she stares at Skye, but she does in fact, shut up.

The sound of sirens cuts through the air, a sharp reminder that help is near. But even with that relief, the tension in the room is suffocating. Dante ushers everyone out of the room and makes sure there's a clear path for the cops and EMTs to come right in.

From the corner of my eye, I see two cops and a pair of EMTs rush into the room. The officers make a beeline for Maverick, who's just starting to regain consciousness. He groans and thrashes as they grab him, shouting incoherently.

"Get off me!" he slurs, struggling against their grip. "She had it coming! And that slut—"

"Shut your mouth!" one of the officers barks, hauling him upright. Maverick's head lolls to the side as he continues to shout, his eyes locking onto me.

"You—" he spits, his lip curling into a sneer. "You think you're too good for me, huh? You're nothing but—"

"That's enough!" another officer snaps, dragging him out of the room.

I flinch at his words, my heart pounding in my chest, but Skye's voice pulls me back to the moment. "Focus on Shelby," she says firmly, her hands never leaving the wound.

The EMTs push their way into the room, their movements quick and professional. One of them crouches beside Shelby, gently moving Skye aside to assess the injury.

"She's losing a lot of blood," the EMT says, his tone urgent but calm. "We need to get her onto the stretcher now."

"I'm fine," Shelby mutters weakly, her head lolling to the side.

"You're not fine," Skye shoots back, her voice cracking.

The EMTs lift Shelby carefully onto the stretcher, strapping her down as they work to stabilize her. Skye's hands hover uselessly, her face etched with worry as she watches them wheel Shelby out of the room.

I trail behind, my legs feeling like jelly, until we're outside. Maverick is being shoved into the back of a police car, still shouting obscenities.

"She's not going to die, is she?" I whisper, my voice trembling as I look at the EMT loading Shelby into the ambulance.

"We're doing everything we can," the EMT replies, his voice steady.

Skye steps forward, her eyes blazing as she looks at me. "We're going with her," she says, her tone leaving no room for argument.

I nod, scrambling into the ambulance beside Skye. Shelby's face is pale, her breathing shallow, but her lips twitch into a small, almost reassuring smile.

"Stop... fussing," she mutters weakly.

"Never," I say, my voice wavering as the ambulance doors close behind us.

---

The EMTs are working quickly, their hands moving with precision as the ambulance speeds down the road. One cuts away her shirt as the other begins sealing Shelby's wound, but it's clear that it's not enough. The blood still seeps through, and her face is so pale that it's almost gray under the harsh lights.

"Stay with us, Shelby," I whisper, barely aware of the words tumbling from my lips. "Come on. You're stronger than this."

But Shelby doesn't respond. Her eyes remain closed, her breath so shallow I can hardly see her chest rise and fall.

The EMTs' movements become more frantic as one of them checks her pulse, fixing a clip to her finger to monitor her heartrate.

"She's slipping," one of them says sharply.

I feel a chill crawl down my spine and fear claws at my throat as my mind races to the worst outcome. "Shelby..."

Skye looks down at Shelby, her face contorted in fear, but she doesn't say a word. She's too frozen, too terrified to move or speak.

Then, a few seconds later, I hear it—the sharp, electronic wail that seemed to stretch on forever. It was like the sound of the world itself holding its breath, a cold, mechanical shriek that lacked any hint of life or rhythm. I watch the EMTs as they are frantically checking Shelby's vitals, and then one of them presses his hand to her chest, calling out the words I don't want to hear.

"Heart's stopped. She's not breathing."

My breath catches in my throat, and the world spins around me.

"No!" I shout, the panic rising in my chest like a tidal wave. "No, no, no!"

Skye gasps beside me, her hand shaking as she grips her chest, her eyes wide with horror.

"Do something!" I shout at the EMTs, the words coming out in a broken sob. "Please!"

The EMTs don't hesitate. One of them pulls out the defibrillator, attaching the pads to Shelby's chest, while another prepares to push the button as he's also using something to get air into her lungs. The entire ambulance fills with the electric hum of the machine charging, and I feel my heart race, every second feeling like an eternity.

"Clear!" the EMT yells, and the next moment, he pushes the button.

Shelby's body jerks, a violent, shaking convulsion that makes my stomach twist. My heart is pounding in my ears, the fear so intense I can barely breathe.

Nothing.

"Again," the lead EMT barks.

They do it again.

"Clear!"

Another jolt.

And still, nothing.

"We're losing her!"

I feel like I can't breathe, like the entire world has gone still, and all that's left is this horrible feeling of helplessness.

"Shelby, come on!" Skye cries out, her voice breaking. She's so close to losing it and she's gripping my arm tight..

"One more time," the EMT says. His voice is steady, but there's a flicker of something in his eyes—something I'm not sure I can place.

They set the machine up one last time, and I feel like I'm holding my breath for a lifetime.

"Clear!"

The defibrillator sends another shock through her, and for a moment, nothing happens. Then—

Beep…Beep…Beep…

Her chest rises.

A breath.

Shelby gasps, her body jerking slightly, and then she lets out a faint, shaky breath. The EMTs quickly work to stabilize her, putting an oxygen mask over her face.

"She's back," one of the EMTs says, relief in his voice, but it's clear they're not out of the woods yet.

Skye stares down at Shelby, her tears threatening to fall. "You're gonna okay, you're gonna okay," she whispers, her voice cracking.

I just sit there, frozen, my hands shaking as I look down at Shelby, struggling to make sense of what just happened. I don't know what to say.

As the ambulance screeches to a halt outside the hospital, the doors open with a hiss and the EMTs move with urgency. They quickly begin to wheel Shelby out, her body still fragile, her chest rising and falling with shallow breaths.

Skye is the first to step out of the ambulance, her movements quick and sharp, her gaze locked on Shelby. I feel like I'm in a daze, everything around me moving in slow motion as I crawl out.

I follow her, but everything feels surreal. The flashing lights of the paparazzi cameras pierce the darkness, and I can hear the clicks and shouts as they try to get a shot of Shelby being rushed inside.

"Shelby! Shelby! Is she alright?" one of them calls but I barely hear them, my mind too clouded with everything that just happened. Skye doesn't even acknowledge them.

One of the hospital staff steps forward to guide us inside, and I almost don't remember walking through the sliding doors. The flashes of the paparazzi are a blur behind me, but their voices are louder now, calling out for answers that we can't give. I hear one of them mention something about Shelby's injuries, another asking about a fight with Maverick.

I try to ignore them, but it's hard. The flashing lights feel like a constant assault. It's like they won't leave us alone, not even in the hospital. But I force myself to focus, watching as they rush Shelby through the sterile white hallways, a blur of motion as the medical team continues their work.

"Come on, come on," I hear Skye mutter under her breath, and it's the first thing that's felt real since everything happened.

I want to say something, anything to comfort Skye or to make sense of this, but the words won't come. My throat feels tight, my head spinning, and the only thing I can think about is how much I need Shelby to be okay.

As we enter the emergency room, the medical staff takes over, moving Shelby onto a bed and surrounding her with equipment. I can barely make sense of what they're doing, but I see them getting her hooked up to machines, and I feel like I'm standing on the edge of a cliff.

"Skye," I whisper, my voice trembling. I want to reach out, to grab her, but she's already been swept into the chaos of the emergency room. She's still calm, her eyes sharp as she watches the doctors work, but I can feel the tension in her shoulders.

I take a step back, my legs shaky, and I can't tear my eyes away from Shelby. My heart is in my throat, and the weight of everything that's happened presses down on me. I don't know what to do, I don't know what to think, but all I can do is stand here and pray that Shelby is going to be okay.

The doors to the emergency room swing closed as the medical team rushes Shelby into surgery, their hurried footsteps echoing in the sterile hallway. My feet are glued to the spot, rooted in place, and all I can do is stare at the blood on my hands and clothes.

I try to shake the image, but it clings to me, like a shadow I can't escape. I feel the cold sweat creeping down my back, my legs suddenly feeling weak. I glance down at my hands again, but it's like I can't look away. They're shaking, covered in Shelby's blood, and I can't stop it, can't get rid of it.

Behind me, Skye is pacing back and forth, her face pale, her arms wrapped, muttering under her breath. She's a mess, and I can feel the panic radiating off her. She keeps glancing at the surgery doors like she's waiting for them to open, waiting for some sign that Shelby's going to be okay. She doesn't stop pacing, her sneakers squeaking against the floor with each frantic step.

I can't even focus on her, though. My mind is too foggy, too consumed by the image of Shelby—her pale face, the blood, everything happening so fast. The walls feel like they're closing in on me, and the room is spinning, everything moving too quickly.

The nurse who approaches seems to appear out of nowhere, her face kind but firm. She assesses us quickly, her eyes flicking between me and Skye, before speaking in a calm, almost soothing tone.

"Come with me. We'll get you cleaned up, alright?"

I nod numbly, still in a daze, and Skye doesn't hesitate. She follows the nurse without saying a word, but I can see the panic in her eyes. She's trembling, her fingers tapping against her side, her lips pressed tightly together. I feel her anxiety like it's my own, and it only makes everything feel worse.

The nurse leads us down a hallway to a small room, brightly lit but still holding a strange sense of detachment. She hands me a towel and some soap, guiding me toward a small sink in the corner. Skye immediately goes to the other side of the room, her eyes wide, and she starts tearing at her clothes.

I start scrubbing until the water runs clear but my hands just don't seem to get clean. I rub the bar of soap over the same spots over and over. My hands feel raw from the hot water, but the blood is still there, still on me. It's stuck, and no matter how much I rub, it's never going to be gone.

"Tori, it's okay," Skye's voice comes from behind me, and I turn to see her standing there, watching me with wide eyes, her face pale. She's been quiet this whole time, but I can hear the strain in her voice now. She's worried.

But I can't stop. I can't stop scrubbing. "It won't come off," I mutter, my voice sounding distant, not really my own. "I can't—"

"Hey," she says gently, stepping forward and touching my arm. Her hands are warm, and her touch pulls me out of the haze for a second. "Tori, you need to stop. The blood's not on you. It's not your fault. You didn't do anything wrong."

I shake my head, not believing her. My body trembles as I finally stop scrubbing, my hands near raw and red from the constant friction and steaming hot water. I look at them again, and the blood is still there…

I glance over at her, and the expression on her face softens. "Come on," she says, voice quiet but firm. "Let's get cleaned up. We need to be there for Shelby."

I nod, allowing Skye to guide me away from the sink. The nurse watches us quietly, her presence a silent support as she hands me a fresh shirt. I slip it on, I can't help but feel like I'm still not clean. I'm dizzy… I feel sick, and it feels like my heart is going to burst out from my chest.

We make our way back to the hallway, where I see Skye's worried eyes flicking toward the door, the one that leads to the emergency room, the one that holds Shelby's fate.

---

The hallway feels like it's closing in on me, every second stretching into an eternity. I can't sit still anymore. My legs move on their own, carrying me back and forth as I pace in a tight line. Each step feels like it should ground me, but it doesn't. All I can see are flashes of red—Shelby's blood soaking her shirt, my hands covered in it, her lifeless face as the EMTs shouted orders and worked to bring her back.

I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to push it all away, but the images won't stop. Skye sits slumped in a chair nearby, her head buried in her hands. She hasn't said much since we left the other room, but I can feel her tension, the same suffocating weight crushing her too. Her shoulders tremble faintly, and I know she's barely holding it together.

A nurse appears, carrying a couple of bottles of water. She approaches Skye first, crouching slightly to hand her one. "Here, take a sip. You need to stay hydrated," she says softly.

Skye nods, her movements stiff as she takes the bottle, though she doesn't drink right away.

The nurse turns her attention to me, her brow furrowing as she looks me over. "Are you okay, sweetie?" she asks gently, stepping closer.

I blink at her, but I don't answer. How can I? I'm not okay. I'm anything but okay.

"You're very pale," she says, her voice tinged with concern. "Here, have some water—"

Her words fade into the background as my vision starts to blur. The hallway seems to spin around me, the walls folding in as my chest tightens. All I can hear is the echo of the EMTs' voices: "Clear!" "We're losing her!" The sound of Shelby's heart monitor flatlining rings in my ears, louder than anything else.

I stare down at my hands again, and they're covered in blood. My stomach lurches, and I try to remind myself that it's not real, that it's just in my head—but it feels too real. The scent, the stickiness, the weight of guilt.

The nurse's voice becomes urgent. "Hon? Are you—"

My knees buckle, and the world tilts violently. I feel myself falling, but it's distant, like it's happening to someone else. The last thing I hear is Skye shouting my name before everything goes black.

---

When I come to, the fluorescent lights above feel too bright, making me squint. My head throbs, and my body feels impossibly heavy. A cool cloth dabs against my forehead, and I realize I'm lying on a gurney.

"She's awake," a voice says softly, and I turn my head to see Skye sitting beside me, her face etched with worry.

"You scared the hell out of me," she mutters, her voice wavering as she tries to sound stern.

My throat feels dry, and the words don't come out.

The nurse from before leans into view, offering a small smile. "You fainted…You need to rest."

I nod faintly, but my mind drifts back to Shelby. "Shelby," I croak, my voice barely above a whisper.

Skye's expression tightens, but she reaches for my hand, gripping it tightly. "She's still in surgery," she says, her voice quiet but steady. "We'll hear something soon."

Her words are meant to comfort, but they only add to the weight pressing down on my chest. I close my eyes, trying to hold back the tears threatening to spill. The steady buzz of hospital noise filters into my awareness—footsteps, distant beeping, and the occasional murmur of voices. But I keep my eyes closed, hoping to block it all out. If I stay still enough, maybe I can forget. Maybe the guilt will quiet down.

It doesn't.

"Tori?" a voice calls softly, hesitant.

I blink my eyes open and find Jade standing near the gurney, her face pale, her usual sharp demeanor replaced by worry. Behind her is a tall man with short, neatly trimmed hair and a serious expression—Shelby's manager, Eli. Both of them look tense, their gazes darting between me and Skye, who's standing a few steps away.

"What's going on?" Jade asks, her voice low but urgent. "All Skye said was that Shelby got hurt and you passed out."

Eli crosses his arms, his brows furrowed. "I came as soon as I could, but no one's telling me anything."

Skye swallows hard, rubbing her hands over her face. She glances at me briefly before stepping forward to explain. "It's… it's bad." Her voice wavers, but she presses on as she looks at Eli. "We were at a party at the house. Everything was fine at first. Then that guy, Maverick, he… was drunk and tried to assault Tori."

Jade's eyes widening as her gaze snaps to me but I can't meet her eye...

Skye doesn't stop, her voice trembling but determined. "Shelby left because she said she was worried about Tori, said something didn't feel right. Then we heard Tori yell and Shelby kicked the door down. She fought Maverick off, but…" Her breath hitches. "He pulled a knife… He stabbed her..."

Eli's jaw tightens, his expression darkening. "Did he get away?"

Skye shakes her head, fresh tears brimming in her eyes now. "Shelby knocked him out, but she's… she's in surgery right now." Her voice cracks. "She lost so much blood."

Jade takes a shaky step closer to me, her eyes searching my face for something. "Tori…" she says softly, her voice breaking. "Are you okay?"

I can't look at her. I can't say anything. All I can see is Shelby's blood. All I can hear is Maverick's disgusting slurred words and the sound of the EMTs fighting to keep Shelby alive.

"She's… she's in shock," Skye says quietly, glancing at me with guilt in her eyes. "It's been a lot for her too."

Eli exhales sharply, pinching the bridge of his nose. "That son of a…" He doesn't finish. "Where's Maverick now?"

"Cops took him," Skye replies. "They dragged him out and he just kept saying Shelby deserved it…"

Jade's hands ball into fists, and for a moment, I think she's going to punch something. Her anger radiates off her in waves, but then she leans against the gurney, her expression softening.

"Tori," she whispers, her hand brushing against mine. "Look at me."

I don't move. I can't.

Her voice becomes firmer, but it's still laced with worry. "Please, baby..."

Reluctantly, I turn my head toward her. Her blue-green eyes are filled with concern, and I hate that she has to see me like this. I feel disgusting, dirty…

"It wasn't your fault," she says, her tone steady. "None of this was your fault."

Eli motions Skye to step aside, his expression all business despite the tension in his jaw. "I need every detail," he says quietly but firmly, his gaze intense. "From the moment you noticed something was off. Don't leave anything out."

Skye nods, wiping her eyes. Her voice is low but steady now, recounting everything from the party's start to the moment she saw Shelby bleeding.

Meanwhile, Jade stays by my side. She sits on the edge of the gurney and gently pulls me into her arms. Her touch is careful, as if she's afraid I might break, and it makes something deep inside me loosen, just a little.

"Tori," she whispers, her voice soft but insistent. "Talk to me. Please."

I press my face against her shoulder, the fabric of her shirt rough against my cheek. For a moment, I can't say anything. The words are tangled in my throat, choking me.

She rubs small circles on my back, her other hand brushing strands of hair out of my face. "It's okay. You're safe now. But I need to know, baby. What did he do to you?"

Her voice cracks at the end, and I can feel her body tense, like she's bracing herself for the worst.

I swallow hard, my hands clutching at her shirt. My voice comes out in a broken whisper. "He… he pulled me into a room."

Jade stiffens, her breathing hitching, but she doesn't interrupt.

"He pushed me onto the bed," I continue, my voice trembling. "He… kissed me. Ripped open my shirt…" My stomach churns, and I feel sick just saying the words.

Jade's grip on me tightens, her body trembling with barely contained fury. But her voice remains calm, soothing. "Did he hurt you? Beyond that? Did he… go further?"

I shake my head quickly, tears spilling down my cheeks. "No. I… I punched him in the face. Yelled for Shelby. She… she saved me." My voice breaks completely, and I cling to her.

Jade exhales shakily, relief and anger warring on her face. "You were so brave," she murmurs, kissing the top of my head. "You hear me? So damn brave."

I don't feel brave..

Across the room, Skye's voice rises slightly as she recounts the scene, and I catch fragments of her explanation. "...too much alcohol... fought him off… he pulled a knife..."

Eli nods grimly, his expression darkening with every detail. He glances at Jade and me, then back to Skye. "We'll make sure he pays for everything."

Jade pulls back slightly to cup my face, her thumbs wiping away my tears. "You're okay," she says firmly, like she's willing the words to be true.

"I—I got weird vibes from him," I choke out, my voice raw and shaky. "I should've known. I didn't want to be rude, you know? Or throw off the vibe of the party. He… he hit on me earlier, but he backed off when I told him I was engaged. I thought that was the end of it. I didn't think he'd…"

Jade's grip tightens, her jaw clenching as her eyes darken. "Tori," she says gently but firmly, "none of this is your fault. You didn't do anything wrong."

I shake my head, tears blurring my vision. "I should've said something to you, to Shelby, to someone. But I didn't think—" My voice breaks again.

Off to the side, Skye suddenly speaks up, her tone sharper than I've ever heard. "That fucking bastard."

I glance toward her, sniffling, as she looks at Eli with a furious expression. "He's probably been like this for a while," she says, her voice trembling with anger. "He's asked Shelby out a few times. He's never once come off like a problem. She turned him down. She was nice about it. And he did back off eventually, so she let it go."

"Maybe that's why he went after me—because I look like Shelby…" The words come out so fast and I wrap my arms around myself, trying to stop my shaking. I feel Jade's hands steadying me again and she makes me look at her.

"Hey, hey," Jade says quickly, her voice breaking through the storm in my head. "Don't get that in your head. He's a disgusting creep, and this is on him, not you. Got it?"

I nod weakly, but my heart still pounds in my chest. Skye looks over at me, her expression softening. "Tori, I'm so sorry. I should've warned you about him. I didn't think he'd try something like this, especially not after Shelby."

I swallow hard, my voice barely above a whisper. "It's not your fault either. I just… I didn't think…"

My words trail off, and Jade pulls me into a tight hug, her arms wrapping around me protectively. "Enough of that," she murmurs. "You're safe now. And when Shelby wakes up, she'll make sure he gets what's coming to him."

---

Hours drag on, each second heavy and suffocating. The waiting room is quiet except for the faint hum of the hospital's fluorescent lights and the occasional murmur of voices from passing staff. Jade sits on the gurney now, holding me close against her chest. Her arms are wrapped securely around me, her voice a gentle murmur in my ear. She's been whispering soothing words, telling me I'm safe, that everything will be okay, but my mind keeps circling back to the same dark places.

Eli stands a few feet away, his phone pressed to his ear. His tone is low but clipped, no doubt discussing the details with the police. He glances over at us occasionally, his expression hard with anger and worry.

Skye is pacing again, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Her steps are uneven and restless as she mutters to herself. Every now and then, she stops and glances toward the doors leading to the operating rooms, then resumes her pacing like she can't stop moving.

Jade notices too. Her grip on me tightens briefly before she speaks. "Skye," she calls softly, her voice calm but firm.

Skye hesitates, her steps faltering. She looks over at us, her brows furrowed and eyes filled with a mix of fear, guilt, and anger.

"Come here," Jade says, nodding toward her.

Skye hesitates again but finally shuffles over. Jade pats the space next to her on the gurney. "Sit," she says gently but with a tone that says not to argue.

Skye perches on the edge, her shoulders hunched and her hands fidgeting in her lap. Jade reaches out, wrapping one arm around her, pulling her in close along with me. For a moment, Skye stiffens, but then she relaxes, leaning into Jade's side as if the weight of everything finally becomes too much to bear.

"You're doing everything you can," Jade says softly, her voice steady and comforting. "You both are. Shelby's strong, and she's fighting. She'll pull through."

Skye sniffles, nodding but saying nothing. Her head dips, and she presses her face into her hands as a quiet sob escapes her. Jade rubs her back in soothing circles, her hand never leaving mine.

"It's okay to feel scared," Jade says. "But you're not alone, Skye. We've got you."

I glance up at Jade, her calm strength radiating even as I can see the worry etched into her features. Her hand comes up to brush a few stray strands of hair out of my face. Jade doesn't let go of us, her arms tight around both me and Skye. She just lets Skye cry it out, offering the only kind of comfort she can.

Finally, Skye's voice comes through the tears, low and broken. "I love her," she whispers, her words barely audible. "I never told her... I know she wouldn't feel the same.. She's been single for so long. She's never talked about dating so I thought it was just something she wasn't interested in…" I reach out and take one of her hands in mine. I can hear the regret and pain in her voice.

Jade's voice is soft but steady, the way it always is when she's trying to soothe someone. "You've got time, Skye. Shelby will make it through this and you'll be able to tell her. Don't worry about that now."

Skye shakes her head, her breath hitching in a sob. "What if I don't? What if I never get the chance to tell her? What if... what if I lose her before I even say the words?"

I can feel Skye's body trembling against me, the weight of her words settling heavily between us. There's nothing I can say to take the pain away, but I understand. I understand her fear, the ache of holding something inside for so long, waiting for the right moment that never seems to come.

Jade's grip tightens. "You won't lose her. She's going to be okay. We just have to believe that."

Skye's eyes are bloodshot, her face streaked with tears, but she nods. Slowly. "I swear... if she pulls through, I'm going to tell her. I don't care what happens, I'm not going to wait anymore."

Jade nods too, her voice calm but firm. "When she pulls through, Skye, and when you're ready, she'll hear you."

The room falls quiet, except for the sound of Skye's uneven breathing. Jade rubs her back gently, a silent comfort, her presence a steady anchor in the storm. As the moments stretch on, Skye's sobs start to quiet down, but I can feel the weight of her words linger in the air.

I want to say something, to tell Skye it'll be okay, that she's not alone in this. But right now, I'm too lost in my own mind. Too wrapped up in the chaos of the night, in the fear that I couldn't protect myself. I can't shake the image of Maverick's face, of the things he tried to do.

The door to the small waiting area creaks open, and I feel my heart leap in my chest. I can't breathe, can't even think, until I see the surgeon walk in, his face weary. Skye and I sit up quickly, and I stare at him.

"We got her stabilized," he says, his voice a little raspy, like he's been talking to too many people all night. "She made it through surgery, but we're still monitoring her. There's a chance of complications, but for now, she's out of immediate danger."

I freeze, my mind struggling to process what he's saying. She's alive? After everything? After the blood, the chaos? She made it through?

Jade exhales a breath so sharp and loud, I'm sure she was holding it for what felt like a lifetime. She pulls away from me slightly, her hands trembling as she looks up at the surgeon. "She's really okay?"

The surgeon nods slowly, his eyes kind but tired. "For now. We'll need to keep an eye on her. She lost a lot of blood, but the wound was sealed and she's responding well. The next twenty-four hours will be critical."

Skye lets out a strangled sound, half-laughing, half-sobbing as she falls back against Jade. Her hand flies to her face, trying to wipe away her tears, but they just keep coming, leaking out like a dam breaking. "Shelby… oh thank god…"

The surgeon gives a small nod, his expression softening. "She'll need rest, but she's strong. You should be able to see her soon, once we get her settled into a recovery room. We'll keep you updated on her condition."

As the surgeon walks away, a new voice breaks through the heavy silence. Another doctor, rushing past the nurse's station with a clipboard in hand, stops in front of us. His face is tight with concern, and I catch the words that echo in my brain like a warning bell: O-Negative.

"We're running low on O-Negative," he says, and I feel my stomach drop. "We've already called for a transfusion, but we might need more for her. We need to get some more blood supply in here as soon as possible."

I don't know what comes over me, but the words spill out of my mouth before I can stop them.

"Wait," I say, standing up a little too fast, my voice shaky. "I—I'm O-Negative too. We're twins, so we should be compatible. I can give her my blood, right?"

The doctor looks at me, his brow furrowing for a moment as he processes what I said. "You're sure you're O-Negative?"

I nod quickly. I know my blood type. I learned that from Jade when I donated blood to Robbie... "Yes."

The doctor hesitates, glancing over at the nurses as if weighing the risk, but his eyes soften a little when he looks at me again. "We'll need to do a full screening, just to be sure you're healthy and a full match, but if you are and you're willing, you can donate some to her. We can test and verify."

Jade places a hand on my arm, her grip firm, but I can tell she's fighting the urge to pull me back. "Tori, listen to me," she starts, voice steady but worried. "You don't have to do this if you don't want to. You've already been through enough tonight."

But I can't stop. I can't stand the thought of doing nothing while Shelby fights for her life. My hands are shaking, but I hold on to the determination in my chest.

"Jade, I have to. Shelby's my sister. I'm going to do this for her." I turn to the doctor. "Please. I'm sure. Let me do it."

The doctor looks at me for a beat and he exhales, clearly thinking it through. "Alright," he says after a moment, nodding to the nurse beside him.

Skye stands up, looking torn between supporting me and worrying about the situation. She steps forward, eyes searching mine.

"I'm fine, Skye," I reply, my voice steady. "I want to do this. I have to."

Jade watches me with those eyes full of concern, but she doesn't try to stop me. Instead, she steps closer, placing her hands on my shoulders. "If you're sure," she says softly, "then we'll be with you every step of the way."

I nod, taking a deep breath.

The nurse guides me down the hall to a room, and Jade stays by my side with Skye close behind. The staff preps me, and draws a small sample of blood to test. It takes longer than I'd like, but about 40 minutes later, we hear back that I'm a perfect match. A nurse brings in a bag and soon after, they're drawing my blood. My thoughts are entirely on Shelby. She needs this. She needs me.

My mind races, but I focus on the feeling of Jade's hand on my shoulder, and the rush of warmth spreading through me as I give Shelby what I can. Skye take my free hand and I can just softly hear her say 'thank you'.

When it's finally over, the nurse gives me a small smile. "We've got what we need. We're heading back now." She gives me a bottle of juice and some crackers to get my strength back up.

I nod, though my hands feel unsteady as I reach for the bottle. Jade takes it and holds it for me, bringing it to my lips.

"Drink it, babe," she says softly, her tone coaxing but serious.

I take a sip, the sweetness of the juice spreading across my tongue. It settles me in a strange way, but the weight in my chest doesn't ease. My thoughts keep circling back to the same place, no matter how hard I try to shove them away.

The room is quiet except for the sound of Skye's pacing. After a moment, she stops and leans against the wall, crossing her arms and looking at the floor. Her face is pale and drawn.

I don't know how long the silence stretches on, but it's Jade who breaks it, her hand still resting on my head. "What's going on in that head of yours, Tori?" she asks gently.

My chest tightens at her question, and the words come tumbling out before I can stop them. "I keep thinking about what could've happened," I whisper, my voice trembling. "If Shelby hadn't been there... if she hadn't heard me scream..."

Jade shifts closer, her arm wrapping around my shoulders as her other hand keeps brushing through my hair. "But she was there," she says firmly. "And she stopped him. You're safe now."

I bury my face in her shoulder, my tears soaking into her shirt. I feel Skye sit down on the other side of the bed, her hand brushing lightly against mine.

"I should've done more," Skye says quietly, her voice cracking. "I saw him talking to you earlier, and I just thought... I thought he was being friendly and introducing himself. I didn't think he'd... I didn't think he'd do something like this."

"Stop," Jade says sharply, though her voice remains calm. "Don't put this on yourself. Neither of you did anything wrong. It's that guy's fault, and his alone."

Skye nods weakly, though her eyes are still glassy. She wipes at them with the back of her hand, her lips trembling. When she starts to stand, pacing on instinct, I grab her arm and tug her back down. I don't want her to go far—not now.

"I'm tired…" I whisper, rubbing my eyes. I know I should rest, but the thought of sleeping feels so impossible.

"You should try to sleep, baby.. Even for just a little bit." Jade pulls her fingers through my hair and adjusts the bed some so I can lean back more and get comfortable, as comfortable as I can at least. Skye starts to get up, muttering about not wanting to be in the way, but Jade makes her stay and I move over to make room for her.

"Get comfy, Skye," I say, my voice breaking into a faint laugh. "Jade isn't letting us go anywhere anytime soon…"

Skye sighs, looking torn, but finally leans back against the bed. She doesn't say anything, just sits quietly, her shoulder brushing against mine. Jade keeps running her fingers through my hair, her touch soothing, even as my chest feels like it's still tangled with too much. Too much fear, too much guilt.

Jade keeps stroking my hair, her fingers light and soothing. "Close your eyes, baby," she murmurs, her voice soft but insistent. "You need to rest. I've got you."

I don't answer, but I let my eyes flutter shut. It's not sleep, but it's something—a pause from the chaos spinning in my mind.

After a moment, I hear her hum, so quiet it barely registers at first. Then her voice comes, gentle and low, a melody I don't recognize but find comfort in.

Jade's humming is steady, wrapping around me like a warm blanket. It's not loud or showy like when she performs, but gentle. I feel the tension in my body slowly start to ebb, the weight of her voice pressing down on the panic and fear. My breathing evens out, the knot in my chest loosening just enough.

Her fingers don't stop moving through my hair, the quiet rhythm of her song pulling me closer to the edge of sleep. For the first time since everything happened, I feel a little safe. A little less broken.

I don't know when it happens, but eventually, the soft sound of her humming fades into the darkness as I drift off.

---

I wake slowly, the edges of my dreams fading as I blink into the dim hospital room. It takes a moment for my eyes to adjust, and when they do, I find Jade sitting beside me. She's holding my hand, her thumb gently brushing over my knuckles. Her other hand is on her phone, but her attention is mostly on me. She must've heard me stir because she looks up with a soft smile.

"Hey, baby," she says, her voice quiet, almost like she's afraid to break the peace. "You okay?"

I nod slowly, still too tired to say much. My head feels heavy, like it's been full of thoughts I couldn't hold onto long enough to make sense of. The room around me feels strangely calm, despite the chaos of everything that happened. My eyes drift over to the other side of the bed, and I see Skye asleep, her body slumped against mine. Her head rests on my shoulder, her breathing slow and even. She must've fallen asleep at some point while I was out.

"She fell asleep pretty soon after you," Jade says, as if reading my mind. "All that adrenaline must have finally worn off. I don't think she knew what to do with herself until she could settle down. But she's okay right now."

"I don't know what I'd do without you," I whisper, my voice thick with emotion. It feels like there's too much to say, but the words just don't come out right. "I'm scared. I feel... I feel like everything's changed, and I don't know how to fix it."

Jade's hand tightens around mine, and she leans forward slightly, her face soft with understanding as she kisses my forehead. "You don't have to fix anything right now. You just have to breathe, Tori. We're here, and we're not going anywhere."

Jade squeezes my hand again, her thumb tracing the lines of my palm, and I close my eyes, letting the weight of her presence pull me back into something that feels like safety.

The soft rustle of the door pulling open breaks the stillness in the room. I turn my head, blinking as a nurse steps inside, clipboard in hand. Her warm smile is a welcome sight, and she comes over, patting my hand.

"Glad you see you resting, dear," She smiles, inspecting the line that's still attached to my inner elbow. "We'll take that out soon. Can't donate twitch in a day. Now, I thought you'd want to know about your sister."

"How's she doing?" Jade asks immediately, her voice low but filled with concern.

"She's stable now," she says, her tone reassuring. "Shelby's out of the ICU. We've moved her to a private recovery room. You can go see her now."

I sit up straighter, the news feeling like a weight lifting from my chest. She's going to be okay. I knew it, but hearing it out loud feels like I can finally exhale.

Jade gives my hand one last squeeze before standing up. "You ready?" she asks softly, her eyes looking between me and Skye.

Skye stirs beside me, her eyes still heavy with sleep, but the moment she hears what the nurse said, she's fully awake, sitting up quickly. "Shelby?" Skye's voice cracks slightly, but she wipes the sleep from her eyes and starts to stand.

"She's stable," the nurse confirms with a nod, offering a small smile. "She'll need rest, but she's out of the danger zone."

Without another word, Skye's up and moving, her earlier anxiety replaced with a sense of urgency. "I need to see her," she says, her voice firm, but I can hear the relief in it now, the tension in her shoulders easing.

As we stand up to leave the room, I can feel the faint unsteadiness in my legs, like they don't quite belong to me. I shift my weight, trying to steady myself, but the exhaustion that's been hanging over me all day is catching up.

Jade notices immediately. She looks at me, brow furrowed, and her hand gently touches my arm. "You okay?" she asks quietly, her voice full of concern.

"I'm fine," I lie, but I can feel the truth slipping out as my legs wobble a little beneath me. "Just a little... shaky."

She doesn't buy it. Without saying another word, she slips her arm around my waist, supporting me as we start to walk out of the room. I glance at her, about to protest, but she shakes her head gently. "No arguments. I'm not letting you fall."

I let out a soft laugh, grateful for her steady presence. As much as I want to stand on my own, I know she's right. My legs feel like they could give out at any moment, and I don't want to risk stumbling in front of everyone.

Skye walks ahead of us, her movements quick and purposeful. She's focused on getting to Shelby's room, but when she glances back, she sees Jade helping me, her face softening in understanding. She slows her pace to match ours, giving us space, but her anxious energy is still evident.

The nurse leads us down the hallway, her steps echoing in the quiet. The closer we get to Shelby's room, the more my heart races. I want to see her, but at the same time, the memories of how she last looked earlier come rushing back, making me feel both nervous and overwhelmed.

When we reach Shelby's room, the nurse opens the door, and we step inside. Shelby's lying in the bed, her face pale but peaceful. There's a soft beep from the monitors beside her, a steady rhythm that feels like a small but important victory. Her body is still, but I can tell she's doing better now—alive and breathing, and that's all that matters.

Skye rushes to her side, her fingers trembling as she reaches out to gently take one of Shelby's hands in hers. She doesn't speak, but I can see her lips quivering, as if the relief is too much to handle all at once.

Jade squeezes my waist lightly, reminding me she's still here, steady, supporting me. "You're doing okay?" she asks softly.

I nod, though my voice is unsteady. "Yeah... just scared."

"I know," she replies, brushing a strand of hair out of my face. "But she's going to be okay. We're all here for her."

Skye is still beside Shelby, murmuring softly to her. I can tell she's trying to fight back the tears, but she doesn't hide it completely. Every so often, she glances back at us, her eyes wide with relief and exhaustion.

The room falls into a quiet rhythm, the only sounds being the soft beeping from the monitors beside Shelby's bed and the occasional rustle of movement from Skye and Jade. Skye has her hand in Shelby's, her fingers gently rubbing the back of Shelby's hand, and I'm sitting on the edge of the bed, my fingers barely grazing her wrist as I try to find some comfort in the connection. It feels like everything has slowed down, but at the same time, my mind is racing.

I can't stop thinking about what happened—how close it was, how easily things could have turned out worse. I look at Shelby's face, pale but calm now, and I feel a wave of guilt hit me again. She saved me. She got hurt because of me.

A lump forms in my throat as I try to focus on anything else, anything other than the sound of Maverick's words echoing in my head. "Slut." "She deserved it."

But as I sit there, one thought keeps creeping in, something I know I need to do, something that's been tugging at me since we first got here.

"I need to call my parents," I whisper to Jade, my voice barely above a breath.

She looks at me, concern flickering across her face. "Are you sure?"

I nod, my stomach turning at the thought of telling them about everything that happened. "Yeah. I... I need them to know what's going on. They'll be worried, especially my mom. She needs to know Shelby's okay."

Jade doesn't argue, but she pulls me into a tight hug for a second before letting go. "I'll be right here," she says softly, her hand brushing mine for a second. "I'll stay with Skye."

Skye, still seated at Shelby's side, doesn't look up, but she gives a small, reassuring nod in my direction. I can see the exhaustion in her eyes, the emotional toll of everything. But for now, she's focused on Shelby, and that's where she belongs.

I step away from the bed, making my way to the corner of the room, trying to give them some space. My hands feel clammy as I fish my phone out of my pocket, my thumb hovering over the contact for my mom. I don't know what to say to her. How do I explain all of this? How do I even begin?

With a shaky breath, I hit dial.

The phone rings twice before my mom picks up, her voice soft and tentative. "Tori? Is everything okay? Where are you?"

I swallow hard, trying to keep my voice steady. "Mom... I—Shelby, she's in the hospital. Something happened, and... she saved me. She's okay now, but she had surgery. She's recovering."

There's a long pause on the other end of the line, and my heart hammers in my chest as I wait for her response.

"Is she okay?" My mom's voice cracks, the fear evident. "Are you okay?"

"I'm okay, Mom," I whisper, the words almost choking me. "But Shelby... she's hurt. She's going to be fine, but it's been a lot. I just wanted you to know."

"I'm coming, honey," she says immediately, her voice firm and filled with urgency. "Tell me where you are, I'm on my way."

I feel a small sense of relief at her words, but it's tempered with the heaviness of everything we've been through. "The hospital on Pine Street... We're in the ICU waiting room. But I'll keep you updated."

"I'll be there soon, Tori. Stay with Shelby, okay? Don't leave her side."

"I won't. I promise."

I end the call and stand there for a moment, staring at the screen. The words I've just said to my mom feel so unreal. The last several hours have been like a blur, like nothing makes sense. But one thing is clear—Shelby's not alone. She's got all of us here.

I take a deep breath and walk back over to the bed, trying to shake off the cold feeling still gripping my chest. As I sit down next to Skye, she glances up at me, and her eyes are filled with concern. But when she sees I'm okay, she looks back at Shelby, the quiet determination in her expression telling me that she's not giving up on her friend.

I reach out to gently squeeze Skye's shoulder, letting her know I'm still here too. "She's going to be okay," I say, my voice shaky but more certain this time. "We're all going to make it through this."

Skye doesn't answer, but I can see the slight nod of her head as she watches Shelby, still holding her hand tightly.

I don't know how much time goes by but the door opens and my parents step inside, their faces pale and full of concern. I glance up briefly, trying to focus through the haze of everything that's happened, but all I can see is Shelby—still unconscious, connected to machines, and lying in the sterile hospital bed. My mom immediately moves to my side, her hand gently resting on my shoulder as she looks over at Shelby, her expression tightening with worry. My dad hovers just behind her, his gaze flickering between me and Shelby.

I feel them both, their presence surrounding me like a protective shield, but it doesn't stop the weight of everything pressing in on me. I want to tell them it's okay, that I'm fine, that I'm safe—but the truth feels impossible to say, and all I can do is sit here, staring at Shelby and hoping, praying that she'll wake up.

They don't ask much, just look at me with those silent, questioning eyes. My mom's fingers gently brush the back of my hand, like she's trying to pull me out of my own head, but I can't stop thinking about what could've happened if Shelby hadn't been there. I can't stop imagining what it would've been like if I had been alone.

I look at Shelby again, her chest rising and falling steadily with each breath, and it calms me just slightly, though the knot in my stomach refuses to loosen. My parents stay close, hovering over us, waiting for some sign that everything is going to be okay. But for now, I don't have answers, only the silent hope that soon Shelby will open her eyes and I won't have to be afraid anymore.

---

The steady beep of the machines and the hum of hospital activity fills the room as hours pass. Shelby's condition hasn't changed much, and I'm still glued to her side. Doctors and nurses come in and out, checking on her, adjusting her IV lines, administering more meds, but I'm barely registering any of it. I can't stop watching Shelby, willing her to wake up.

Skye and I are barely touching our food, just picking at it absentmindedly. Jade's been trying to encourage us to eat, but neither of us have the energy or appetite for it. I can't help but feel like I'm just going through the motions. The knot in my stomach hasn't loosened, and the sense of fear that's been gnawing at me all night lingers.

It's then that we hear it. Soft, groaning sounds—barely audible at first, but enough to make all of us freeze.

My heart leaps, and I turn to look at Shelby. Her chest rises and falls more rapidly now, and her lips part in another low groan. I grip Skye and Jade's hand without thinking, my pulse racing.

"She's… she's waking up," Skye whispers, her voice filled with hope and disbelief. Her grip on my hand tightens as both of us watch Shelby carefully, hardly daring to breathe.

Shelby's eyes flutter open, the pupils dilated, her face pale and sweaty. She blinks a few times, clearly disoriented, and for a moment, I wonder if she even knows where she is. But then, her gaze shifts to me, and though she's barely conscious, her expression softens, like a quiet acknowledgment that I'm there.

I'm already on my feet before I even realize it, and rush to her side. "Shelby…" I murmur, my voice breaking. I hit the call button and tell the nurse that she's waking up.

She groans again, this time clearer, and tries to lift her hand, her fingers twitching. It's enough to make my chest tighten with relief. At least she's aware. At least she's here.

Skye leans forward too, looking more awake now than she has since we arrived. Her voice cracks when she speaks, a quiet whisper. "Hey, Shelby. You're okay. You're gonna be fine."

The room feels still, except for the soft beeping of the machines, as all three of us wait for her to fully come to, wanting nothing more than for her to wake up and be okay.

The nurse enters quietly, her presence almost a comfort after the tense silence that had settled over the room. She steps over to Shelby's bed with practiced ease, her gaze shifting from the monitors to Shelby's face.

"Good evening, Shelby," the nurse greets, her voice soft but steady as she begins to check Shelby's vitals. "How are you feeling? Can you hear me?"

Shelby doesn't respond immediately, her eyes fluttering again as she struggles to focus. The nurse gently presses a few buttons on the machine, checking the readings while speaking to her in a calm, soothing tone.

"Can you try to take my hand if you can hear me?" the nurse continues, holding out her hand in front of Shelby's weak one.

For a moment, there's no movement, but then Shelby's fingers twitch, her hand lifting just slightly before resting back against the bed. The nurse smiles gently, nodding approvingly.

"Good. You're doing great," she says, her voice encouraging. She checks Shelby's IV and adjusts the flow of fluids carefully. "How about we try a few simple questions? Can you tell me where you are, Shelby?"

There's a long pause as Shelby blinks up at the nurse, her face still pale but her breathing steady. Her eyes shift to me for a moment, and then back to the nurse as she tries to focus on the words.

"Hospital…" Shelby's voice is a hoarse whisper, and I can see the exhaustion in her features as she struggles to process everything. But the fact that she even responds gives me hope.

"That's right," the nurse says, nodding as she scribbles something on her clipboard. "You've been through a lot, but you're on the mend now. How about your pain? Are you feeling any discomfort?"

Shelby hesitates for a second, her hand twitching again, and then she manages a small shake of her head. I know it must be difficult for her to speak, but she's trying, and that's enough for now.

The nurse finishes her checks, nodding to herself as she jots down a few more notes. "I'm going to get the doctor in here to assess you in a bit, but it looks like you're stabilizing. Rest is the most important thing right now. You're doing great, Shelby."

As she finishes, she gives a quick look to me, Skye, and Jade, making sure we're all okay. "You all can stay here with her. Just give her a little more time to rest." The nurse steps out and it's just us. Shelby lies there, making small noises as she wakes up more.

After a bit, she starts moving better, fully lifting her hand to rub her eyes. She looks around, in a haze, but her eyes focus briefly here and there before she closes them. She sighs and mumbles something I can't catch and opens her eyes again, looking at all of us.

Shelby's eyes focus more clearly, and for a moment, everything in the room seems to fall away as her gaze locks onto mine. It's like she's trying to piece everything together, to make sense of the haze of pain and confusion.

She shifts slightly, attempting to sit up, but the movement sends a jolt of pain through her. Her face twists, and she hisses through her teeth. "Fuck," she mutters under her breath, her hand going instinctively to her side, as if to stop the pain from spreading.

I move quickly, my heart pounding, but she's already gently pressing her fingers to the injury, trying to steady herself. I can see how badly she's hurting, but Shelby never lets that show for long.

"Shelby, hey, don't push yourself," I say softly, stepping closer to the edge of her bed. My voice is shaky, but I try to keep it steady, knowing she hates it when people treat her like she's fragile.

She looks up at me, her expression softened but still strong, and before I can say anything more, she reaches out with her free hand, taking mine. Her grip is weak, but it's enough to make my heart catch in my chest.

"Are you alright?" Shelby's voice is rough, but it's laced with concern, the same concern she always shows for me, even when she's the one who should be taken care of.

I swallow hard, fighting back the overwhelming flood of emotions. "You saved me," I tell her, my voice soft.

Shelby's eyes close for a moment, and there's a flicker of relief that passes across her features. She breathes out slowly, the tension easing from her face as if the weight of knowing I'm okay is lifting some of her burden.

"Good," she says, her voice more steady now, though there's a small crack in it. "I'm just... I'm glad…"

I can feel her heart beat erratically beneath her chest, but her arms wrap around me as best as they can, pulling me into a gentle hug. She's trying to act tough, trying to keep that strong front, but I can feel the tremors in her hands as they hold me close. It's all I need to know that she's hurting, but still, she's here, and she's holding on.

"I love you, sis," she murmurs against my hair, her voice thick with exhaustion. "I'm so glad you're okay."

I hold her tightly, the words barely making it past the lump in my throat. "I love you, too, Shelby." My voice cracks, and I feel the weight of everything that's happened pressing down on me again.

She pulls back slightly, wiping a tear from my cheek with the back of her hand. "No more crying, okay? I've got your back, always."

I nod, but I can't stop the tears from falling. She might be trying to keep it together, but I can't. I feel the love and the care in her words and my heart breaks all over again, knowing that I could have lost my sister.

I watch as Shelby's gaze slowly shifts toward Skye, her eyes struggling to refocus but clearly seeking her out. She doesn't speak at first, just gazes at her with that quiet intensity, but I see the relief that flickers in her expression when Skye takes a step closer.

Skye's eyes are red, the weight of everything finally catching up with her. She hovers by the side of Shelby's bed, her voice cracking as she whispers, "I'm so happy you're alive..."

The words hang in the air, fragile and raw, and for a moment, there's a quiet silence before Shelby gives a small, slow nod. Her lips tremble, but a faint smile tugs at the corners of her mouth.

"I would never leave you, Skye," she murmurs, her voice hoarse but laced with warmth, the familiar teasing tone lacing through her words despite the pain. It's so like Shelby to try and make light of things even now, after everything she's been through.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, Skye leans even closer, her voice barely above a whisper, but her words hit me like a sudden gust of wind.

"Shelby, I...I have something to tell you," Skye says, her breath shaky. "And I understand if it changes things between us, but I can't keep it inside anymore."

Shelby's brow furrows slightly, but there's a flicker of something in her eyes—a mix of confusion and curiosity. Skye looks like she's about to pull back, but then, taking a deep breath, she leans forward and whispers something I can't hear. I don't need to; it's the way Shelby's face changes that says it all.

For a split second, the world seems to stop. Shelby's expression falters, her eyes wide with a mix of surprise and something else. I feel my pulse quicken, the anticipation in the room thickening.

Then, without warning, Shelby's hand moves to the back of Skye's neck, her fingers curling gently into her hair, pulling her in with a tenderness that is almost uncharacteristic for Shelby after everything that's happened.

The room feels too quiet as Shelby presses her lips to Skye's, soft and slow, like a hesitant promise. I freeze. I can't look away.

Skye seems to stiffen at first, clearly taken off guard, but then she exhales softly, her body relaxing as she leans into it. She doesn't pull back, not this time. The kiss, though brief, is filled with so much unspoken emotion.

"I love you too," she says, her eyes locking with Skye's. "Always have…"

---

Now This chapter came out to be 17k words, but it's certainly less due to FFN still having that word count issue. Libre tells me is actually a little over 16k words, but that still makes it the longest chapter I've ever written for a single fic. Roughly about 2 chapters worth, but I just couldn't bear to make you all wait for the resolution of this.

Did you like the confession and kiss shared between Shelby and Skye? I wasn't doing to include it in this chapter but instead, work it into the next, but after crying quite a bit while planning out and writing this chapter, I just had to add it. We needed come kind of beacon of hope at the end. Don't worry, there's a reason Shelby never told Skye her feelings, even though Skye was definitely not always subtle about hers. See you all in the next chapter and please, put down the pitchforks! -Mercy