Sarafina's POV
I shouldn't feel this way.
That's the first thought that settles in my mind as I stand there, surrounded by strangers who look at me like I belong to something bigger than myself.
I shouldn't feel… seen. Not like this. But I do, and that scares me a lot.
Cassian's voice still lingers in my head.
This place isn't safe.
I know that.
Every instinct I've developed since all of this began is screaming at me to be careful—to keep my guard up, to question everything, to not trust this. But then I look at them again.
Really look.
And I don't see fear.
I don't see suspicion.
I don't see the cautious distance I've gotten used to since all of this started.
What I see is belief.
Not the kind that demands.
The kind that… actually welcomes.
"You don't have to decide anything right now." Rea's voice is softer this time.
Gentler. Like she can see the war happening inside me.
And maybe she can.
