CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-TWO LUCA IS COMING

DAPHNE'S POV I stood there, my heart racing, as Javion’s eyes locked onto mine. The dim light of the cell barely illuminated his face, but I could see the exhaustion etched into his features, the bruises and cuts that marked his skin. He looked so tired, so worn down, and the sight of him like this made my chest ache. I wanted to reach out, to touch him, to reassure him that I was here, but I hesitated. “What are you doing here, Daphne?” His voice was rough, filled with disbelief. “Don’t you know how risky this is? If Xander finds you—” “I don’t care,” I interrupted, my voice firm despite the tremor in it. I took a step closer to the bars, gripping them tightly as I looked into his eyes. “I don’t care about the risks, Javion. I had to see you. I couldn’t just stay away, not when you’re here like this.” He shook his head, his expression a mixture of frustration and concern. “You shouldn’t have come. It’s too dangerous. What if they catch you? What if—” “I said I don’t care!” T