Chapter 88

Her chest was still constricted from all the pain, but there was something new, like a freeing outlet. Was it his mark? Maybe it was the strength in his eyes or the kindness in his voice. Or maybe it was the way he seemed to understand her without her even having to speak. All she knew was that she wanted to be close to him, to feel the safety and comfort that he seemed to offer. But even as she felt drawn to him, she couldn't shake the fear that lingered at the back of her mind. She didn't want to be hurt again. She didn't want to be vulnerable in front of anyone. Yet, something about Liam made her want to let down her guard, to open up to him, and to let him in. When they walked back to the cabin, she couldn't help but feel a sense of uncertainty. She didn't know what the future held, and neither did she know if she would ever fully heal from the trauma she had experienced. But for the first time in a long time, she felt like she had someone to lean on, someone who would be there for