A soft breeze whispered through the towering pines, carrying with it the scent of wildflowers and morning dew. Sam stood silently in the heart of the forest, her bare feet sinking into the cool earth. The morning sun filtered through the leaves, casting golden patterns over her pale skin—still healing, still fragile.
But her eyes… her eyes had changed.
There was a quiet fire in them now.
Adrian stood a few feet away, his arms crossed loosely over his broad chest. His silver eyes watched her with patience and a touch of awe. Since the moment he’d rescued her from the edge of death, he hadn’t left her side. He hadn’t asked questions. He hadn’t demanded answers. He only offered safety—and something Sam had never truly known.
Kindness.
“You’re doing better,” Adrian said, his voice deep an
