h's

respond. The cold night air bit at my skin, but somehow, his warmth shielded me from the worst of it. I didn't understand

imney. Tariq stopped and whistled three times, his breath visible in the cool air. Moments later, the door creaked o

said softly.

ried me inside. "She nee

ing a warm glow over the room. My body, still racked with fever chills, immediately relaxed at the sight of the fire. Tariq laid m

reassuring smile. "You're safe now, Leah. But I need to

my side, wincing as the movement pulled at the torn skin on my back.

edical kit," he called to the woman, wh

n paste. She handed them to Tariq without a word, her eyes soft as she looked at me. "

that cleaning the wounds would hurt, but he was so gentle with me. As he

said softly. "But th

as still sharp. After he cleaned the wounds, he applied the ointment, which felt cool

ent he was from Kayden. Where Kayden had caused me nothing but pain, Tariq was bringing me comfort and healing. I found mys

eels and met my eyes. "It'll hurt for a w

voice was still weak, but I

ing to me. "Come with me, dear," she said gently. "Let's

Susan helped me stand, and I leaned on her as we walked

Susan, child. None of

e against the wall, and she rummaged through it, finally pulling out an o

rfect," I told her, even though it hung loose on my frame. I didn't care

etic smile. "I'm not exactly your size, as you can

ine. I'm just grateful for anything.

re no burden, Leah. You need he

ed to argue. I slipped into the dress, the

ward a small bed in the adjacent room. "Get some r

stions swirling in my mind. "I need to talk

he'll answer all your questions tomorrow. For now,

ired to do anything but lie down. I nodded and let her lead me to the small bed. It was simp

hand brushing over my forehead in a mother

bout me? How long had he been watching me? He said I was meant for something more, but what could that possib

e downstairs slowly lulled me into a sense of peace. Tariq had risked h

And why did he seem t

, but for the first time in days, I felt safe. I would have to wa

ilent prayer to the Moon Goddess, thanking