h's

ain from my wounds had lessened, thanks to Tariq's care. The sunlight streamed through the small window, casting a golden hue across the room.

comforting, far better than the torn rags I had been wearing before. My mind drifted to Tariq. He had been so kind,

in response. I realized how hungry I was. Slowly, I stood up, careful

warm scent of herbs and something frying filled the room, and the fire in the hearth

. Did you sleep wel

a little shy. I wasn't used to this kind of

ile wiping her hands on a towel. "No

be a bother. "Oh, whatever yo

ense. You're a guest here, and we take care of our

ering at the thought.

ace. I watched her, feeling an odd sense of comfort in the domesticity of it all. It rem

u go, dear," she said and placed a plate in front of me, filled with eggs,

avors. It was simple food, but it tasted like heaven after eve

ked between bites, gl

n errand. He wil

sn't here. I wasn't sure why I felt that way, but

talk to, her voice soothing and calm. I asked her about t

to the pack. But one day, the Alpha accused him of stealing. It was a lie, of course, but the Alpha

y heart aching for them. "That's

es, dear. My husband tried to defend his honor, but it didn't matter. We were cast

r eyes. I reached across the table and gently t

hisper. "They attacked us one night. My husban

roat. "I'm so sorry, Susan.

been living here ever since, making the best of thing

r loss. "You're very strong, Susan. I don't

hat we have to, don't we? Life goes

the door. Susan stood up quickly, wiping her hands on

pped inside, carrying a few bags. His eyes immediately found m

er this morning," he said,

Thank you for everything, Tariq. I

to the sink to wash his hands. "There's no n

elp but feel a sense of peace. It was strange, sitting here with these people who had been st