Aliyah's POV
Asher’s thumb brushed gently across my knuckles. “I know,” he said softly. “I know. And it’s okay to be scared. You’ve been through hell. But you’re not alone. You have me, Papa… and soon, the rest of us will be here too. We’ll protect you. I promise.”
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, a mixture of relief and lingering fear. “I don’t… I don’t want to be weak,” I whispered.
“You’re not weak,” Asher said firmly. “Never weak. You’re a warrior, Aliyah. You fought when no one else could. You survived when most would have fallen. You’ve carried more than anyone should, and yet… here you are. Alive. Breathing. Stronger than ever.”
I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the words sink in. The ache in my body was still there, the remnants of Cohen’s cruelty lingering like a
