What if the saints of old walked among us today-would we honor their triumphs, or whisper about their secrets?
Zarinna knows the weight of hidden truths. Once devoted, now marked by choices she cannot undo, she carries shame like a shadow she cannot...
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ZARINNA was caught off guard as she felt David's arm around her waist. "The woman's my wife," her gaze snapped open, unsure if she had heard the words correctly.
Wife?
Zarinna lifted her head, a questioning look unmistakably plastered on her face. David didn't even stir, his gaze still locked with the man before him. "You cannot take a married woman."
Now confusion mingled with fright, her heart in turmoil as mixed emotions ravaged her being. She shifted her gaze toward the man, noticing a curl of indignation on his lip. Zarinna studied him in secret, tracing the large scar that marred his right cheek. His every movement reeked of alcohol, and his dark complexion glistened with sweat.
"Who cares?" Zarinna's breathing hitched, eyes widening as she saw the man cock his gun. "I'll take whoever I want." He stretched his arm toward her, and immediately she jolted back at the attempt.
"Don't you dare," David growled, his voice low as he gripped the man's wrist.
"Lando!" One of his companions intervened. "Your actions have consequences. It is against our dictum to take married women."
The man before them hissed curses, his countenance raging with ire as he forcefully yanked his wrist from David's grip.
"Kakadwa!" A man in the same uniform emerged from below the hill, panting as he approached. "The evening patrol is on their way! We need to get out of here, quick!" He beckoned, his gaze tainted with panic. Zarinna watched as the men began to move in trepidation.
"This is not over," the man flashed David a fierce glance. And with that, the men, one by one, scurried away, disappearing into the dark at their leader's word.
Zarinna's breathing loosened at their departure, her fist pressed to her chest as she drew in air. Despite their absence, her knees trembled, and her mind was a cluttered mess as she processed what had just transpired.
"Are you okay?" David asked, taking hold of her shoulders, his tall frame occupying her perception. She lifted her head, his words echoing in her mind as she met his gaze.
"Y-yes," she breathed.
"It's okay, we're safe now," he said, running a hand along her arm. "Let's go—the others are waiting."
"YOU MET WHAT!?" Gina's voice rose, her gaze fixed on Zarinna as she demanded an explanation.
"The RPA," Zarinna confirmed again. Gina sank back into her chair, exhaling in disbelief.
"Seriously? Oh my goodness, so what happened?"
Zarinna swung her gaze to David, who lowered his head as he prepared to speak.
"Well," he began, "I've done what I thought was the only way."
"And that is...?" Gina asked, her eyes intent on him.
