She heard his voice and his name left her lips even as she threw herself at him. "Chal ... I thought ... I thought you were him."

He lifted her gently and cuddled her in his embrace. "No, it's just me. You won't ever have to worry about him again."

"B-but he owns me." She buried her face in his neck. "My da..."

"He doesn't own you, sweetness. I won't let him hurt you in any way." His hand slid through her hair and pulled her closer.

"H-he has p-papers ... legal papers." She relaxed against him and felt safe now that he was here. She believed his words, that...