The Assassins Kiss

Chapter 38

Luca's POV

I walk quietly down the hallway, the soft thud of my footsteps echoing in the silence.

"She didn't tell me anything," Ezra says, her voice low.

I glance down at her, noticing how tense she looks. "She said she was fine, but..." Her words trail off, swallowed by a sigh. "I know she's not."

She lifts her eyes to mine, uncertain but determined. "Can you talk to her tomorrow? It's late now—she's probably asleep." Her voice quickens as she fidgets with her hands. "I just... I don't know what to do."

"I'll talk to her," I say gently, hoping it sounds reassuring.

A faint smile touches her lips. "Thank you."

Before I can respond, a sharp scream cuts through the air.

We freeze, eyes wide, then bolt down the hallway without a word. Our feet pound against the floor as we race toward Lily's room.

Ezra reaches the door first and flings it open. Inside, Lily thrashes in her sleep, tangled in her sheets, her face streaked with tears.

"Do something!" Ezra looks at me, her voice high with panic. "Me?" I question. She gestures helplessly between us. "You—You've been through this. Me, I've only ever been the one in the nightmare."

I nod, already moving. I sit on the edge of the bed while Ezra drops to the floor beside me, still watching Lily with worried eyes.

"Lily," I say softly. She doesn't respond. Her body twists again, fists clenched in her sheets.

"Stop," she murmurs, barely audible through her tears. "Stop..."

"It's okay," I whisper, inching closer. "You're safe now. You're okay, Lily. Wake up."

Her eyes snap open. She jerks upright, her chest heaving with quick, shallow breaths.

Wildly, she scans the room until her gaze lands on me. Her shoulders sag, and then she collapses against me, burying her face in my chest as sobs rack her body.

I hold her gently, stroking her hair. A warm hand rests on my shoulder—I look up to see Ezra standing again.

"I'm getting her a glass of water," she says quietly.

I nod. As she turns to leave, Lily stirs in my arms.

"Wait... Mom, where are you going?" Her voice is hoarse, fragile.

Ezra stops in the doorway and turns back with a small, reassuring smile. "Just getting you some water, honey. I'll be right back."

"Oh... okay," Lily mumbles, then leans back into me, still trembling.

Once she begins to calm down, I reach toward the nightstand and grab the tissue box, gently offering her one.

"Are you implying I have boogers in my nose?" Lily asks, peeking up at me with a hint of a smile as I hand her the tissue box.

"I was giving it to you to wipe your tears," I say with a shrug, "but... yeah, that too."

She lets out a soft huff, half a laugh, and wipes her face. There's still a shadow behind her eyes, but she seems a little lighter now.

Once she's done, I meet her gaze again. "What was it about?" I ask gently.

She pauses, clutching the tissue in her hands. "Umm..." A beat passes. "Nothing," she says, shrugging like it means less than it does.

Just then, Ezra walks back in and hands Lily a glass of water. Lily takes it gratefully and sips, her fingers trembling slightly around the cup.

Ezra sits beside her on the bed. Once Lily finishes drinking, she leans her head against Ezra's arm, the motion slow and deliberate, like she's seeking something solid to hold on to.