David's POV

Her scream didn’t come.

Instead, Mara stiffened in my arms, trembling, her breath hitting my chest in quick, shaky bursts. I tightened my hold around her shoulders, anchoring her.

“Mara,” I murmured, lowering my voice. “Are you okay? Did he hurt you? Did he touch you?”

She shook her head, still pressed against me.

“I’m… I’m fine. I didn’t see who it was, he was following me.”

I glanced sharply toward the dark corner the shadow had disappeared into.

They were gone.

I exhaled and gently brushed a stray strand of hair away from her face.

“Hey… look at me.”

She hesitated, then lifted her eyes. Vulnerable. Rattled....