Eli nodded, understanding the scars that trauma could leave. He had his own collection, after all. “It’s okay, Lila. You don’t have to talk about it now. But you’re safe here. Max and I will protect you. I promise.”

She nodded, reassured by the certainty in his voice. Outside, the storm showed no signs of abating, but inside the cabin, a fragile peace was beginning to take hold.

Eli sat back, watching as Lila’s eyes grew heavy, lulled by the warmth and safety she hadn’t known in too long.

As she drifted into an exhausted sleep, Eli felt a fierce protectiveness swell within him. He didn’t know what Lila had been through, but he vowed that she would never have to face it alone again.