Chloe sat curled up on the edge of the couch, a blanket clutched tightly around her shoulders as though it were armor. Her hands wouldn't stop shaking. The chains were gone, but the weight of Cerys's words pressed heavier than any iron shackle.

Across from her, Zoe crouched low, her sharp eyes softened with something almost maternal. She reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Chloe's damp cheek.

"Hey. Breathe. You're safe now."

Chloe shook her head, voice breaking. "Am I? Did you see the ...