Chapter 67

Nathan’s POV

I carried her through the woods like she was made of glass. Every step back to my house felt like a dream.

The guards didn’t dare speak. They didn't even breathe as I passed. All I could hear was the beat of her heart.

I pushed the door to her room open with my shoulder.

Carefully—so carefully—I laid her on the silk sheets. My hands hovered over her for a second. I was afraid that if I let go, she would vanish into thin air.

She didn't. Her chest rose and fell. Slow. Steady.

Alive.

I sank into the chair beside her bed. I buried my face in my hands, my fingers tangling in my hair. I should have felt relief. I should have felt like I won.

But I felt like ice. I didn’t deserve to