POV: Zina
I don't know how long we sat there. My legs were numb, and my back ached from leaning against the splintered wall, but I couldn't move. My fingers were still wrapped around Trina's necklace, the cold metal biting into my palm like it wanted me to feel every sharp edge.
Asher snored softly against my chest, his little hand curled around my shirt. His face was streaked with dirt and dried tears, his eyelashes clumped together. He looked so peaceful now, but I knew the nightmares would come. They always did.
Jared finally broke the silence. "We need to go, Zina." His voice was rough, like he hadn't spoken in days. "It's not safe here."
I shook my head. "I can't leave her."
"She's gone," Jared said, rubbing his face with both hands. "Zina, I get it, okay? But staying here isn't gonna bring her back."
