Chapter 39

Briar’s POV

Kieran’s silver eyes softened as he leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees. "Briar, no one’s blaming you. We’re just trying to figure this out, and you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to help."

His words made my throat tighten, but I couldn’t bring myself to speak. I looked away, blinking rapidly to stop the tears that threatened to spill.

Kylan, sensing the shift in my mood, stepped closer to the railing and leaned against it casually, his green eyes glinting with something lighter, softer. "Okay, okay," he said, holding up his hands. "Let’s hit pause on the serious doom-and-gloom talk for a second. Briar, when’s the last time you took a break? Like, a real break?"

I frowned, glancing at him. "A break? Kylan, my life is falling apart. Now’s not exactly the time for... a spa day."

He grinned, a playful edge to his voice. "Hey, I didn’t say spa day—though now that you mentio