Still Breathing
Emily’s POV
“I’ve got you. I’ve got you,” Jason said, his voice steady in the middle of the chaos. His arms were strong, protective, yet gentle as he carried me away from the danger.
“Jason… Jason,” I whispered, tears slipping down my cheeks. Relief, pain, and exhaustion collided inside me. The fear that had wrapped itself around my chest began to loosen. His presence, warm and fierce, felt like a sanctuary I had almost forgotten could exist.
He carried me into another room and laid me on a hospital bed, every movement careful. His eyes were soft and intense at the same time, filled with emotions I could not name.
He sat beside me and took my hands, his touch firm, almost desperate.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I’m supposed to protect you. I failed. You don’t deserve any of this, but I’m glad you’re alive.”
I reached up and cupped his face, brushing my thumb across his cheek. “None of this is your fault,” I whispered, even though my voice trembled with pain.
The door swung open. Lucas stormed in, frustration carved into his features.
“Jason, we couldn’t catch Marco,” he said, remorse heavy in his voice.
Jason’s expression hardened in an instant. The sorrow vanished, replaced by raw fury. He shot to his feet, hands balled into fists.
“Every time we have that bastard, he slips away! He was here. He was going to take her, and you still let him get away? Now you are telling me he is gone?”
“We tried our best,” Lucas muttered, his voice strained.
“Try harder!” Jason shouted, his anger echoing off the walls. Lucas nodded and turned to leave, but Jason’s next words stopped him.
“And Helena? Have you found her?”
Lucas shook his head. Jason’s jaw clenched.
“Find them both,” he ordered, voice cold and sharp. “Helena’s disappearance proves she is the mole. Find her and end her. No excuses.”
Lucas hurried out, the urgency in his steps clear. I sank deeper into the bed, my body shaking under the weight of pain, fear, and adrenaline. But through everything, one truth settled deep inside me.
Jason was not going to let anything happen to me again.
In the middle of chaos and bloodshed, I had found a protector and a fragile, flickering hope.