Chapter 34: Crossroads of Resolve (1)

Cassie rushed to Nessa, throwing her arms around her. Tears welled up in her eyes as she clung tightly to Nessa, trembling as she spoke. "Nessa, I'm so sorry! I was so worried! I should have listened to you! I…" 

Nessa's body stiffened instantly as pain rippled through her. Her face paled as she steadied herself, allowing a shaky smile to pull at the corners of her lips.

"Cassie... hey, it's okay. You're... squeezing too hard." She said, as her voice strained with every word.

She gave a weak chuckle, that came out like a strained, shallow exhale as Cassie pulled back. Nessa's hand instinctively shot to her side, her fingers trembling as they pressed against her clothes, now darkened with blood.