Chapter 81

DOMINIC'S POV Evelyn emerged from the treatment room moments later, after completing the necessary paperwork. She walked more slowly than usual, her posture stiff and slightly hunched from discomfort. A white bandage covered the upper right side of her forehead, still faintly tinged red around the edges, and tiny butterfly stitches peeked from beneath it. She looked like a ghost of the powerful warrior she always tried so hard to portray. I stood up immediately, ready to leave. My phone buzzed in my pocket—it was already too late for the park, but I could still try. I could explain. I had to try. But before I could take a step toward the exit, she caught my wrist. "I thought you had to be somewhere?" she asked gently, her eyes searching mine. I frowned, not bothering to hide my irritation. Her touch felt like an anchor—one I didn't want dragging me down any longer. "Yes, but I had to stay back just in case they needed any information from me about your injury," I said shortly. "And Eve