Chapter 56: Stay With Me

Leone's fists clenched, nails digging into his palms as if he were reliving it all. Tears burned his eyes as the memory held him captive. He had tried everything—everything—but it hadn't been enough.

"I'm sorry… I'm sorry…" The words spilled from his lips like a mantra, a broken plea to a memory that refused to fade. His voice cracked, barely a whisper as guilt constricted his throat. "I couldn't protect you… It's my fault."

The images began to blur, receding like waves, but the pain remained, sharp and unrelenting. "I failed you," he whispered, his voice trembling. "I failed to keep you safe… I'm sorry for everything."

A sob tore through him, his chest heaving as his entire body trembled under the unbearable weight of emotions he could no longer contain.

Though the memories receded to the farthest corners of his mind, its oppressive grip refused to release him. His lips parted, and his voice emerged as a broken whisper.