She was done running from shadows and hiding her wounds. If facing her enemy was the price of peace, she'd pay it, no matter the cost, no matter the scars she'd wear. If it took everything she had, if it left her standing alone, then so be it. She’d meet her enemy, eye to eye, heart bared. After all, true strength lies in facing the fear that others would flee from, yet she chose to confront.
Ryan’s mind raced, a storm of anger and frustration churning beneath his calm façade. He clenched his jaw as he stood among the crowd, trying to focus on something other than the red haze clouding his vision. The event buzzed with chatter, but all he could think about was Estelle, how she’d been attacked right here, under everyone’s noses, and the way she’d broken down in his arms. He’d been so close
