Anabella sat on the park bench, her knees drawn up to her chest as she tried to steady her trembling hands. The cool breeze did little to calm her racing heart.
She felt as if she had been wrung out, every muscle in her body aching from tension and fear. The shadows of the trees around her seemed to loom larger than they should, making her glance nervously over her shoulder.
Noah sat beside her, his broad frame tense with barely suppressed anger. He had been silent since pulling her away from the rooftop, his fists clenching and unclenching as if ready to strike anyone who dared approach. He finally broke the silence.
"Anabella," he said, his voice softer than she expected. "You're safe now. I won't let anyone hurt you."
Her lips quivered, and she nodded slightly, but the tears she had been holding back began to spill. At first, it was quiet—just a few stray drops sliding down her cheeks. But soon, her body shook with sobs, and she buried her face in her hands.
