GWEN
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True to Malcolm's words, his men arrive in mere hours. Greta goes with them after bundling me into a long hug. Rylan's departure is much more difficult. He did something he hadn't done in a while. He cried. And it nearly breaks me.
I make him promise he'll be strong for me. He does, and soon after he's put in the car. I watch as it drives away, never daring to tear my eyes away from it until it turns a corner, disappearing from view. Even then I still stand rooted to the spot, staring at the darkening atmosphere.
Malcolm comes to stand behind me. "You should come inside." His baritone is a low rumble. Despite myself I feel a shiver dance down my spine.
I turn around and peer up his face. A stubble has grown across his jaw, the hollows underneath his eyes prominent. Something's
