Dare to Fall

Chapter X

Thank you so much @Larry_Stylinson109 for sending me this wonderful cover! 

***

"Cayden," I said, my voice barely breaking through the haze of confusion. He lifted his head and met my gaze, but only for a second before looking back at the guy he just punched.

"What the fuck, Cayden? I thought we were friends!" James said, wiping the blood from his nose and struggling to push himself off the floor.

"You should have thought about that before you laid your hands on her," Cayden replied coolly. I glanced at him, but he didn't return the look. Instead, his focus remained on James, who was now swaying on his feet.

"Yeah, I actually would," James sneered, the bravado in his voice contrasting sharply with the way he was trying to regain his balance.

"Oh?" Cayden said, folding his arms. "As far as I know, you're the type who fucks around and fucks things up."

Logan appeared, cutting through the tension. "James! You need to leave the party!" He stepped forward, attempting to guide James toward the door, but James resisted.

"Wait, hold on!" James exclaimed, his voice laced with arrogance. "Has Cayden had a taste of you already? Because if so, I'd really like to know what he's gotten into."

Before I could process his words, Cayden lunged forward and threw another punch. It caught James off guard, sending him sprawling to the floor, unconscious. I blinked in shock, the adrenaline pulsing through me. Cayden turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, bewildered. "Thanks," I mumbled under my breath, though I wasn't sure if he could hear me.

"Hailey! There you are!" Amelia burst into the kitchen, her eyes wide with excitement. "Did you see that? I was looking everywhere for you!" Her enthusiasm faded as she registered the scene before her. "Damn, you're lucky you witnessed that!"

I rolled my eyes and pulled Amelia away to a quieter corner of the kitchen. "What's going on? Did something happen?" she asked, concern replacing her excitement.

"I just got harassed," I hissed, the frustration bubbling up again.

"What? Who was it? I'll kill him!" Amelia's eyes flared with anger, her protective instincts kicking in.

"It's okay. Cayden already took care of it," I said, trying to calm her down.

"C-Cayden?" Amelia asked, her eyes widening in disbelief. I nodded, and she grabbed my shoulders, shaking me slightly. "You are so lucky! God!"

"Stop that," I said, pushing her hands away. "Can we just go home? I'm starting to feel dizzy." The earlier excitement and anxiety began to overwhelm me, making it hard to focus.

Before I could finish my sentence, darkness closed in around me. I collapsed.

***

I came to with the sound of sirens blaring, the ambulance doors swinging open. Paramedics were wheeling a stretcher towards the emergency room. My head felt heavy, and everything seemed surreal.

"Hailey!" I heard Amelia's voice through the haze, frantic and close. She rushed alongside the medical team, her face etched with worry.

A nurse approached Amelia, her tone professional. "What happened?"

"She collapsed for no reason! I think someone drugged her drink at a party!" Amelia explained, her voice rising in pitch.

"Are you awake?" the nurse asked, turning her attention to me. "Are you feeling alright, dear?"