IVAN'S POV
For a moment, I thought she might crumble where she stood.
"Maeve," I said softly, stepping closer.
She flinched, then tried to sidestep me, gaze fixed on the floor.
"Not so fast," I murmured, moving to block her path. My hand lightly touched her arm. "Look at me."
Her eyes finally lifted. She flinched, as if expecting me to judge her. It made something inside me clench.
"I… I came to see Asha," I whispered, voice rough, chest tightening. "I'm glad… glad he's safe."
She gave a small, tight-lipped smile.
"Me too. I was worried—I thought…" Her voice trailed off, a glimpse of fear crossing her gaze.
She let out a shuddering sigh. I stepped closer, holding back painfully from pulling her fully into my arms and letting her heart rest—letting her know I was here for her, for Asha, for us.
Instead, I rested a hand lightly on her arm.
"You're safe too," I murmured. "You can breathe now—I'm here."
