Rose's POV

Elijah drew me nearer once more, and this time, I permitted myself to lean into him. “You're not out of time,” he said gently, his hands comforting on my back. "And you need not face this by yourself." You've caught me. Some individuals are concerned. "You don’t have to bear all of this burden by yourself."

“I've been keeping everyone at a distance,” I whispered, my tone faint. “I believed it was the sole method to safeguard them, to ensure my safety.” However, ...