RONAN

She was quiet for a long time. I didn’t know if she believed me. I didn’t know if she ever could. But as I held her in the dark, I knew that I would do whatever it took to heal her wounds.

Slowly, I felt her relax completely against me. I knew she had fallen asleep. I continued to hold her, my fingers gently running through her hair. I didn't want to disturb her, but I needed her to know I was there.

She shifted slightly in her sleep, her hand curling into the fabric of my ...