I swing the light toward the far wall.
There she is. Curled up, small, trembling.
“Thank fucking God.”
Relief crashes over me like a wave.
I rush forward, every part of me screaming for her safety.
She reels back, eyes wide, filled with fear.
She doesn’t realize it’s me.
Panic grips my chest.
“Song,” I whisper, stepping closer. “It’s okay. It’s me. It’s Miles.”
She’s beaten. Bruised. Bloodied. Naked. My stomach churns.
“God, no.”
“No, I…” Her voice trembles, laced with terror.
“It’s me. I promise you, it’s me.” I try to keep my voice steady, but every word is a struggle.
“No, I must be dreaming,” she gasps, instinctively curling into herself.
“Shh, please.” I reach out, careful not to startle her more. “I’m here. You’re safe now, Song. We’ve got you.”
Her hazel-green eyes dart around, searching for something—anything—to grasp onto.
She’s shaking like a small dog in a thunderstorm, and it feels like my heart is breaking all over again.
I say softly, “Look at me.”
Her eyes widen. Recognition flickers, and then she starts to cry.
I kneel in front of her, my heart pounding like a drum against my ribs. “It’s okay. Everything is going to be okay.”
I yank off my jacket, the fabric heavy with urgency.
I drape it over her shoulders, covering her bare skin, shielding her from the world.
“Thank you,” she gasps between sobs, tears streaming down her dirt-streaked face.
“Don’t thank me yet.” I try to keep my voice steady, but it cracks. “Just hold on.”
“Please... I thought I was going to die in here,” Her voice breaks, fear spilling out with every word.
“Not on my watch.” I grip her hands, feeling how cold and frail they are, like a bird caught in a storm.
“How… how did you find me?”
“Doesn’t matter. What matters is I’m here now.” I scan the room, ready to defend her if I have to.
“Promise?”
“Yeah, I promise. You’re safe.”
