Chapter 107

A sudden, sharp pain pierced his heart. She had seemed fine that morning, but now… she was in a pitiful state. If he had accompanied her earlier, this wouldn't have happened.

As he approached, her body trembled violently, her grip on the shard of mirror tightening. The bleeding intensified.

"Sis, it's me. Relax. You're safe now. No one will hurt you," Jason said anxiously.

He'd never feared blood before. Even a blood spill wouldn't have fazed him. But now, he was terrified by her blood, terrified of her worsening injuries, of the unending bleeding. This fear shook him to his core.

Grace felt numb, devoid of sensation and control. Only the heat and pain remained, a necessary pain that kept her awake, kept her from collapsing.

"I can't sleep here! I absolutely can't!"

Isolated and helpless, she'd once believed that freedom from prison meant control over her life. But nothing had changed. When crisis struck, she was utterly alone. She could only endure the pain.

"Sis… sis…"

A voice pierced the fog. "Who… who's there?"

She strained to open her eyes, to see her caller.

"Sis, don't be afraid, I'll get you out of here!"

Her blurry vision slowly cleared, her dark pupils finally reflecting a figure.

"J… Jay…" she whispered, her voice raspy, as if sand scraped her throat.

"It's me. No one will hurt you while I'm here!" he said, his handsome face grim. His vow was heartfelt.

She gazed at him, dazed. Something seemed different about Jay, yet… it was still him.

As if her last reserves of strength vanished, her hand relaxed, dropping the shard. She slumped to the side.

He caught her, quickly removing his coat to wrap around her before lifting her into his arms.

"Sis, go to sleep. I'll take you home," Jason said softly.

Leaning against his chest, she felt his familiar presence. She was no longer alone; she had someone to rely on.

"Jay… you're finally… here…" she murmured, her head resting against him, her breath ragged.

"Yes, I'm here," he replied, gazing down at her. She was safe now.

He carried her from the room.

Outside, onlookers saw Jason emerge, carrying a woman shrouded in a man's coat. Her face was hidden, only her long hair visible. Her heavy breathing was audible.