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 ...