Chapter 4

Callie Vaughan POV:

My birthday arrived, a cruel mockery of a celebration. Bryce, true to his word, took me out. But it was a hollow gesture, a performance for the sake of appearances. He asked me where I wanted to go, his eyes scanning the opulent street, but his gaze was distant, unfocused.

"Wherever," I said, the word tasting like ash. "It doesn't matter."

We went to the high-end shopping district, a place we'd once dreamed of visiting when we were scavengers, fantasizing about what we'd buy with imaginary riches. We walked past boutiques with names I couldn't pronounce, glittering jewels, and imported cars. We used to press our faces against shop windows, making plans, dreaming of a future where we could afford anything. Now, we could afford everything, but the magic was gone.

He was constantly distracted, his eyes darting to every passing armored car, every elegant woman. I saw his jaw tighten, his gaze lingering on a woman with dark, flowing hair, startlingly similar to Diana's. His thoughts were a thousand miles away, with her. The unspoken truth hung between us, thick and suffocating.

My chest ached, a dull, persistent throb. It was a familiar pain, one I'd grown accustomed to. It was the pain of being forgotten, of being replaced.

We passed a young couple, their hands intertwined, their laughter light and genuine. They whispered secrets, their eyes shining with an unspoiled love. It was us, once. It was a mirror reflecting a life I'd lost, a love that had corroded. A wave of profound sadness washed over me, so strong it made my eyes water. My throat tightened, making it hard to swallow.

"I want to go home," I said, my voice barely a whisper. The pretense was too much. The pain was too sharp.

Bryce turned, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. But then, quickly, relief. "Of course, Callie. Whatever you wish." His eagerness to end our outing was a fresh wound.

Just as we reached the car, a frantic shout ripped through the air. "Mr. Bryce! Disaster! Miss Diana... she's been poisoned!"

Bryce's face went white. The color drained from him in an instant. His eyes, just moments ago distant, were now wide with pure terror. "Poisoned? How? Is she... is she alright?" His voice was a guttural plea.

"It was a rare venom, sir! Her condition is critical!" the guard stammered, his face pale with fear.

"Find the antidote! Spare no expense! I don't care what it costs, or what it takes!" Bryce roared, his voice laced with desperation. "Save her! She must be saved!"

The guard hesitated, his gaze falling on me. "Sir... the antidote requires a very specific ingredient. A direct blood transfusion from an individual with a unique, rare blood type... and it is a painful, dangerous procedure for the donor."

Bryce's head snapped up. His eyes, burning with a desperate hope, locked onto mine. A chilling premonition settled in my gut, a heavy stone.

He asked, his voice strained, "Callie... do you... do you have that blood type?" The question hung in the air, a death sentence masquerading as a plea.