A young doctor unexpectedly finds herself forced to indoctrinate into a paramilitary organization, where a stoic hero silently falls in love. Slowly, he earns her trust. The love between them burns away the darkness of the past and acts as a beacon...
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The truth is I feel terrified by the safety I feel sitting beside Solan.
I need to leave.
I can't depend on him for comfort.
It's foolish.
I need to go back to my room.
"I need to leave," I whispered, setting down the bowl.
Gingerly, Solan's hands wrapped around my arms. "No, Ryn. You don't need to, and I don't want you to. Okay? Don't disappear on me." He requested softly, pushing aside my unruly hair.
I felt my lower lip tremble as words failed me, my eyes fixed on the food Solan had kindly prepared.
He is a kind man.
I need to leave.
"Hey. Look at me for a second." Solan requested gently but firmly, tilting my head towards him.
I pressed my eyes shut, refusing his gaze, and shook my head 'no', helpless against the tears that tipped slowly from my eyes.
"Ryn." He breathed my name; his thumbs caught my tears with more care than I've ever used on them.
"Your fever is too high." he said in sudden realization; as it that's the only reason I'd be speaking such words and crying these unexpected tears.
He's right.
My hand chilled with his rising panic, his hands moved nervously across my cheeks and forehead.
I feel safe.
"I need to leave," I repeated through my delirium.
"We need to get your temperature down," he countered, wrapping his arms around me and effortlessly standing while holding me in his arms.
I curled my aching body into a tight ball, letting myself drown in familiar grief as Solan carried me through the courtyard to somewhere unfamiliar.
He kept me tethered to him in a crushing grip, soothing my hair as water filled a tub. He murmured words in his native tongue, and though I couldn't understand, the timbre of his voice comforted me.
I need to leave.
"I'm sorry." He breathed, but I could not react; he stood again, lowering our bodies into freezing cold water.
My lungs filled with air sharply, and I flailed, trying to break free.
Solan held me tightly, his lungs filling sharply with the shock of coldness. His skin rippled in goosebumps, and he guided my body to settle between his legs, my back pressed against his chest. Solan murmured endless apologies as he carefully cupped water over my head and face. I shivered violently, and he apologized even more.
I need to leave.
Grabbing onto my sanity, I pulled out of his grip and wiped my eyes. I shivered against the cold and my fever, scanning the room for an exit.
