---- Chapter 8 I clenched my jaw so hard, it felt like my teeth might crack. My fists trembled with fury, every muscle screaming to strike her. Only the pain of my nails digging into my palms kept me from exploding. Ijust couldn't understand. Jackson was gone-he died protecting me. And I... [was broken. I blamed myself. Everyone else did too. They reminded me-over and over, in whispers and stares-that I should've died with him. And I tried. More than once. ---- Not just because Jackson was gone... But because I couldn't survive the weight of their judgment. But when I finally, finally clawed my way out of the darkness- When I dared to breathe again, to live again- They came for me all over again. Accusing. Condemning. Calling me a traitor to his memory. Heartless. Unworthy of the love he gave me. It was David who pulled me out of that pit. And for a while... I believed he was different. That he loved me. Respected me. Saw me. But now I see it clearly- ---- Even David, the one who stood by me through three years of grief and silence- Even he wants me to prove my love through pain. Through death. But why? Why is choosing to live an unforgivable crime? Do I not deserve to be here? To heal? To love again? Iam not some hollow vessel built for mourning. Jackson gave his life for me. And if I weren't worth it... David wouldn't have stayed. I know all this. And yet, my heart still splintered with the weight of betrayal. I turned to Serena, my voice even, my gaze searing.