Status Updates From Vicious Bonds (The Tether T...

"I wish I could. In truth, I' m trying not to care, but everything in my mind and body goes against the effort."

~Well, if I must suffer," I murmur, dropping my gaze. "I' d rather it happen while I'm in her arms."

~I work twice as hard to breathe and almost double over in the hallway, but I grip the corner of a nearby wall, collecting a few breaths.

Her pain is mine, and I won't rest until I know she's all right.

~I've come to realize there are a lot of things about Willow that I'd never do for anyone else. She's just...different. That's all I can say.

~Her lips are turning blue."

My heart beats harder, faster.

"Is that normal? What should we do? We can't let her die-we have to get her back to her world-"
"Mr. Harlow, stop worrying!"

~I'm sure she's wondering why I have Willow so close to me. No one would believe it. Hell, I can't even believe it. Here this woman is, lying on my lap, and it doesn't bother me. I' ve never let anyone lie on me, but with her...it's different. [...] When she threw her arms around me, it was as if I could see the world a bit more clearly.

~"They'll be outnumbered if they don't leave soon.

Another dizzy spell hits me, and I groan, slumping back in the chair. I breathe in and out. In and out. It doesn't help. I wheeze as weakness plagues me.

I need you.

My eyes begin to close, despite trying my hardest to keep them open. The last words I hear before I slip into darkness are his.

I'm coming."
🫢🫣