Caleb's face is a mask of conflict, torn between his instincts to protect me and the understanding of my will.
"I...I can't lose you, Emma," Caleb finally whispers, his voice breaking with emotion. "There has to be another way."
I shake my head, my heart aching at the pain in his voice. "I've made up my mind, Caleb. It's my fault that Lila died. And I can't live with that. This...this might be my chance to fix everything. To save her."
Caleb looks down, defeated, his shoulders slumping as he lets out a heavy sigh. "Then...if you're going through with this, you're not doing it alone," he says, lifting his gaze to meet mine, determination burning in his eyes. "I'm going to help you prepare for the ritual."
I'm taken aback by his words, a mix of gratitude and fear swirling inside me. "Cal
