Her chest was still constricted from all the pain, but there was something new, like a freeing outlet. Was it his mark? Maybe it was the strength in his eyes or the kindness in his voice.

Or maybe it was the way he seemed to understand her without her even having to speak. All she knew was that she wanted to be close to him, to feel the safety and comfort that he seemed to offer.

But even as she felt drawn to him, she couldn't shake the fear that lingered at the back of her mind. ...