DARIAN

I carry her into my chambers, her weight light despite the bruises and dirt clinging to her skin. Every muscle in my body tenses, every thought screaming at me that she’s alive, and that’s all that matters right now. I set her gently on the bed, hands brushing over her trembling shoulders as I check for cuts, scratches, signs of the fight she endured.

“You’re safe,” I murmur, voice low and raw. “You’re okay. I’ve got you.”

Her eyes, wide and wary, meet mine. She tries to smile, but it falters almost immediately. I want to tell her it’s over, that she doesn’t have to fight anymore, but the...