The door creaked open, soft at first, then a little wider, and Damien's voice seeped through the shadows. "Moonlight…"
Her heart leapt before her body could catch up, and she sat up too quickly, breath hitching. "Damien?"
He stepped into the room. His presence filled the small space. He didn't move closer. He lingered at the doorway, gripping the frame. "You promised," he murmured. "You promised to fight this with me. Don't stay away from me, Luna."
Her chest tightened, a sob curling in her throat. "I'm exhausted, Damien." She dragged in a breath that felt too heavy for her lungs. "I can't… I can't breathe. Every day it's one more thing. One more trial. I thought it would be easy—" she laughed bitterly. "I thought our love would be strong enough to help me weather the storm, but it turns out, Damien, it's the love that's ripping me apart."
