Elias had known pain, betrayal, and even rejection, but never had he felt as though his heart was being ripped out. Curled up in bed, his eyes stared at the door, as if waiting for someone to walk in. He had lost count of the days, but he knew a good time had passed since Rowan's last visit.
From outside, Kim and Sonia stood in silence. They had done practically everything—from cooking his favorite meals and snacks to even going all the way to bring more books—but nothing moved Elias. Every dish returned untouched, snacks unopened, and as they prepared his bath as the days clicked by, Elias looked frailer than the previous day.
While Rowan kept his distance, his eyes never departed from Elias. Blake reported to the Western Tower at least twice a day, but he went back with the same info every time. During the day, Elias could feel the weight of it all. And by night, he cried himself to sleep.
