She handed me a glass vial containing a silvery liquid. “Drink this three times daily. Two days, and you’ll be strong again.”
I gave a small nod, my gratitude unspoken. That day passed quietly—I rested, gathered the shreds of my strength, and tried not to think too much. But silence never lasts long.
The door creaked open.
Darrell entered.
His presence once brought warmth, comfort, even joy. Now, it only reopened wounds that hadn’t yet healed. He approached, kneeling beside me and gently taking my hand.
“Debbie,” he whispered. “The Goddess must’ve heard my prayers. I’m so sorry I couldn’t come earlier. Carla’s been unwell—she needed me.”
His words sliced into me like shards of glass. I wanted to scream, to tell him how I’d nearly died while he played guardian to someone else. But I stayed silent.
He reached out and brushed a strand of hair from my face. His touch was achingly familiar. A part of me wished, foolishly, that this moment belonged to just the two of us.
“I’ll come back soon,” he promised, rising to his feet. “But Carla needs me again. She’s Alpha Maxon’s daughter, and I have a responsibility to protect her. I hope you’re not upset. It’s just duty, Debbie. Nothing more.”