Chapter 12 —Tempted by Hell

Narrator:

Aylin shifted closer on the bench, as if the air between them had suddenly grown thicker.

“Can I really ask?” she insisted cautiously, never taking her eyes off him.

Roman nodded slowly, wearing that half-smile that seemed to challenge her without words.

“Go ahead. Surprise me.”

She bit her lower lip, hesitating for just a second before blurting out:

“What was she like?”

Roman didn't need her to say who she was asking about, or even her name; he knew immediately.

He looked up at the sky, as if searching for answers among the stars. He ran a hand through his hair and let out a deep sigh before speaking.

“Miranda... she was complicated. Hard to describe. Too young when she came into my life. Too wild to stay.

Aylin looked down at her cup, not wanting to press him, but every word he spoke seemed to be tinged with something darker, more painful.

”Sasha misses her a lot," she whispered, as if she couldn't help saying it.

Roman let out a dry, humorless