Cole and Lina    

[LINA]

After a few days, I found myself seated in a private hospital room, the sterile white walls contrasting sharply with the storm brewing inside me. 

My brother, Cole, lay on the bed beside me, alive and well. Dylan's words had been true—his injuries were minor, just a few knife wounds that would heal without lasting damage.

But the relief I should've felt was overshadowed by dread. 

My heart hammered against my chest as I waited. I knew what was coming—the inevitable confrontation when his eyes opened, sharp and fierce, and settled on me. 

"Lina . . ." 

The sound of my name on his lips was chilling, a prelude to the tempest I could feel rising in him. 

I forced a smile, though my hands were trembling. "B-before you say anything, let me explain—"