SERAPHINA’S POV
The moment I stepped out of the café, my legs gave out.
There was no spectacle, no dramatic swoon or collapse to draw curious eyes. Only a sudden, merciless absence of strength, as if the last thread holding me together had quietly snapped.
Maya was there in an instant.
I sensed her presence before I saw her, unwavering and strong, arms already circling me as my knees buckled.
She caught me easily, one arm braced around my back, the other anchoring my weight against her hip.
“Hey, hey,” she murmured, low and steady, like she was talking to a frightened animal. “I’ve got you.”
The world spun, colors smearing at the edges of my vision. A wave of heat crashed over me, fierce and stifling, my heartbeat pounding like a frantic drum.
I clutched at Maya's sleeve, fingers numb.
She swore under her breath. “Okay. That was…fast.”
I tried to laugh, but all that escaped was a fractured breath, thin and unsteady.
“Guess I didn’t…pace myself,” I managed.
