Chapter 39
Danny wiped the sweat from his forehead, his body still trembling from the intensity of his nightmares. As his breathing began to slow, he turned his head to the right, where Star lay curled against him, her head resting lightly on his arm. She was fast asleep, but her expression was far from peaceful. Her brows were furrowed, her body trembling slightly as though she were lost in some terrible dream.
Danny's heart ached at the sight. Star had always been strong, or at least she pretended to be. She carried herself with confidence, a fierce fire burning in her eyes, but Danny knew better. Beneath that exterior was a girl who had endured pain and words that cut deeper than knives.
As her body shivered, he couldn't bear to watch her suffer. Moving carefully so as not to wake her, Danny pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her protectively. He rested his chin lightly atop her head, his lips brushing her hair as he whispered softly.
"I'm here, Star. I'll always be here for you," he murmured, his voice low and soothing. "You're stronger than you know. Don't let their words hurt you. You're amazing, and you'll never have to face anything alone. I promise you."
Star stirred slightly at his words, her breathing evening out just a little as her trembling began to subside. Danny pressed a series of feather-light kisses to her forehead and cheeks, hoping to ease her troubled mind.
"You've got all of us by your side," he whispered again, his voice full of warmth and sincerity. "No one can ever take that from you."
Star let out a soft, contented sigh, her body relaxing into his embrace. Danny felt a small pang of relief as her expression softened, her features no longer marred by the torment of her dream.
At 7 a.m., Dash stood outside his family home, the early morning mist still hanging in the air. He gazed at the house, his mind heavy with the weight of the news he was about to deliver. It wasn't that he didn't think his family could handle it—they were tough, disciplined, and accustomed to facing difficult situations—but this news would still hit hard.
As he stood there, lost in his thoughts, he heard the familiar voice of his mother call out to him from behind. "Dash, where have you been?"
Turning, Dash saw his mother, Carol, approaching him. His younger sister, Kori, trailed closely behind. Carol's posture was impeccable, straight-backed and confident as always. In her forties, she still carried herself with the same military discipline she had in her youth. Her blonde hair was tied back in a neat ponytail, and her sharp blue eyes were filled with concern as they met Dash's. She didn't need to ask more than once; she could tell something was wrong.
"I was at my boss's house," Dash replied, his tone serious. His gaze lingered for a moment on Kori, who had already picked up on his mood and seemed to brace herself for whatever news was coming.