Alina's POV
I was out of bed and at the door in seconds, fumbling with the lock. When it finally opened, Chloe stood there in clothes I didn’t recognize—too big for her, borrowed maybe—looking pale and exhausted but alive. Blessedly, wonderfully alive.
“Oh my God.” I pulled her into a hug so tight she squeaked. “Are you okay? Did they hurt you? I swear if anyone touched you—”
“I’m fine,” she said, but her voice was thin and strained. “I’m fine, I promise. Just… scared. Really, really scared.”
I pulled her into my room and closed the door, studying her in the better light. She looked frail in a way that had nothing to do with her size—like something inside her had been damaged. Dark circles under her eyes. Hands that shook slightly when she reached up to tuck hair behind her ear.
“What
