The canvas of the tent pressed cold against my back, my fingertips still trembling as they scratched at the fabric, as if I could hope for escape from there. My throat burned, every swallow searing like embers clawing me from the inside. My chest heaved, the wound beneath the bandage throbbed, and the stench of blood swirled so thickly around me I could hardly breathe.
And yet… I couldn’t tear my gaze away from him. From the man who had nearly killed me minutes ago, and who now sat before me so utterly still, as if afraid that a single wrong movement might unleash my terror again. The red haze no longer burned in his eyes. Only raw, cold fear… and yet, something strangely tender.
“Sera…” His voice was hoarse, each word dragged out as though it cost him. “I couldn’t hurt you. Not ever aga
