Chapter 54

Olivia Martins

Ryker’s room was quiet when we got back. He didn’t say anything as we entered, just guided me in gently with a hand on my back, then closed the door behind us.

I sank onto the edge of the bed. My limbs felt numb, my head hollow. Everything from earlier clung to me like soot I couldn’t wash off.

Ryker crouched in front of me, resting his elbows on his knees. “Do you want water? Tea?”

I shook my head. “No.”

He nodded, staying right where he was. We sat in silence for a few long minutes, and I could feel him waiting, giving me space, but still there. Not pushing. Just… present.

Eventually, I looked at him. “I don’t know what to do anymore.”

My voice was hoarse, almost gone.

“I feel like I’m losing everything I thought was true. Like the moon goddess is playing some twisted joke on me.”

He didn’t interrupt, just let me keep going.

“My whole life was a lie. My mother lied. Cedric lied. Joshua lied. I didn’t