[Araya's POV]
Araya lies in the bed, staring at the wooden beams of the ceiling. Lyra's words echo in her mind.
"You're safe now. No one will hurt you here."
Safe. The word feels foreign, like something from another life. Araya hasn't felt safe since the moment Jasper whispered those cruel words during their wedding vows.
The door opens again, and both Lyra and Selvara return. They're carrying supplies, fresh bandages and herbs, a bowl of what smells like stew.
Araya's chest tightens. She waits for the mockery to start. For them to laugh at her weakness. For them to tell her she's pathetic, just like Ronan did.
That's what everyone does eventually.
"I know what you're thinking," Selvara says, setting down a bundle of firewood near the hearth. "You're waiting for us to turn on you. T
