I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 152

**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn**

**Chapter 152**

“Hey Talya,” Sage whispered softly, her voice barely above a murmur. She made her way over to the bed, the gentle creak of the floorboards breaking the stillness of the room. Settling herself on the edge of the mattress, she regarded Talya with concern etched across her features. “What happened?”

In response, Talya simply shook her head, her dark hair falling over her face like a curtain. “Everything is such a mess,” she confessed, her voice trembling slightly. “Brandon showed up with the police.”

Sage’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Why?” she inquired, her mind racing to piece together the fragments of the situation. As Talya recounted the events that had unfolded, the weight of her words hung heavily in the air. By the time she finished, she felt utterly drained, as if every ounce of energy had been siphoned from her.

“I’m so sorry, Talya,” Sage said, her heart aching for her friend. She wrapped her arms around Talya in a comforting embrace, holding her tightly until the tension in Talya’s body began to ease, and she slipped back into a fitful sleep.

The next two days dragged on like a slow, relentless tide, each moment stretching painfully long. Talya remained confined to her bed, the sheets tangled around her like a web. She couldn’t quite grasp why she felt so utterly broken. Of course, she missed Liam—how could she not? But the depth of her sorrow felt disproportionate, as if her heart were fracturing into a million irreparable pieces. Facing the world outside her bedroom felt impossible; she was paralyzed by an overwhelming sense of hopelessness. Food lost its appeal, and all she could do was wallow in her own misery. Her grandparents approached her with concern in their eyes, their gentle words of encouragement falling on deaf ears. She was at a loss, unable to find a way to pull herself out of this dark abyss.

On the third day, Sage burst through the door with a determined look in her eyes. “Okay, Talya. Time to get out of bed. You’re going to shower, get dressed, and eat something,” she commanded, her tone brooking no argument. Talya tried to ignore her, turning her face into the pillow.

“I will literally pull you out of this bed and onto the floor if you don’t get up,” Sage threatened, her voice firm. “I don’t care that you have two casts on!”

“Fine,” Talya huffed, the sound muffled by the fabric. Reluctantly, she allowed Sage to help her navigate the journey to the shower. Once she was clean and dressed, a small flicker of relief washed over her, though she was loath to admit it.

“Listen to me, Talya,” Sage began, her voice steady as Talya finished brushing and braiding her hair. “We are not going to let Brandon win. Tomorrow, you’re going to school. You have eight weeks left until graduation. You’re going to finish, and then you can do whatever you want because the day after graduation, you’ll be eighteen,” Sage declared, her eyes bright with determination.

Talya groaned, collapsing onto the bed in defeat. “I don’t want to go to school,” she lamented, the weight of her despair pressing down on her.

“I know,” Sage replied, reaching down to link her arm through Talya’s good arm, gently pulling her to her feet. “But you have to. I’ll be with you every step of the way. It’s only eight weeks.”

Talya closed her eyes, surrendering to the inevitable. “Fine,” she relented, her voice barely above a whisper.

With Sage’s encouragement, they made their way to the kitchen, where her grandparents awaited them, eager to share lunch. “I’ll be here tomorrow morning to help you get ready for school,” Sage promised, as Talya let out another groan of resignation.

True to her word, Sage arrived bright and early the next morning, wheeling in a leg scooter with a triumphant grin. “Why are you frowning?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“I was just remembering that I ordered one of these and never received it. It’s probably at Liam’s house,” Talya replied, a hint of bitterness creeping into her voice.

“No, it’s not. This is it. Liam sent it to my house,” Sage clarified, a puzzled expression crossing her face.

“What? Why?” Talya asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Because you need it, and it’s yours,” Sage stated matter-of-factly, raising an eyebrow at Talya’s reaction.

“Well, why didn’t he send it to me directly?” Talya pressed, a mix of confusion and irritation swirling within her.

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