Chapter 132

** Paige’s POV ** The small corridor outside the treatment room is quiet and dimly lit. I make it halfway to the door that leads outside before my legs give out, and I slide down the wall, burying my face in my hands. It’s only when I’m alone that the tears really come. Not deep, painful sobs this time, but quiet, shaking relief. I cry for everything I almost lost, for every moment I thought I’d never get back. For Ryder’s heartbeat that stuttered under my hands, for Callen’s fear, for the helplessness that almost broke me. “Hey.” Poppy’s voice comes softly from behind me. I look up to see her leaning against the opposite wall, a small smile tugging at her lips. She slides down until she’s sitting beside me, handing over a tissue. “You did well in there,” she says gently. I laugh weakly, wiping my face. “I didn’t even know I could do that.” “Me either,” she says, resting her head back against the wall. “Though if I’m honest, I think we both could’ve done with a little warning before yo