C55 A bond formed

CASEY'S POV

I stood there, looking at Asher’s small, exhausted face, feeling my heart ache. I couldn't hold back the sympathy in my eyes as I reached out,

touching his shoulder gently. “I’m so sorry for what happened,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. "You shouldn’t have to carry all that."

Asher looked up at me, his bright eyes blinking,

trying to mask whatever pain might be there