I go still.
“It’s just… for safety,” she adds quickly, flushing.
I shake my head, keeping my tone calm. “That’s not appropriate.”
Her shoulders tighten. “But?—”
“I understand why you’re scared,” I say, softer now. “I do. But you’ll be safe in your room. I’ve got people stationed right outside your door.”
She doesn’t look convinced.
And that’s the problem.
“Do you?”
“Yes. I’ve been scared more times than I can count.” I hold her gaze. “But you can’t let it control you. Stay grounded. Remember your strength. That’s how you fight back.”
“Yes, but…”
“But nothing.” I soften my tone, stepping closer and taking her hand. “Thank you for trusting me, Amanda. Now trust that we’re doing everything we can to protect you.”
“It’s just…” Her grip tightens, hands trembling. “This isn’t the first time I’ve run. I’ve gone to other countries, places he’s never even heard of. He always finds me. Brings me back. Sometimes I think he enjoys it… like it’s a game. No matter where I go, he knows he can just show up and take everything away again.” Her voice drops. “The only way I’ll ever be free of him is if he dies… or if he kills me.”
The words hang in the air between us for a moment, like some kind of dreadful prophecy, but I purposefully don’t let the tension build. What Amanda needs is to be reassured, calmed down, not to get more stressed.
“I’ll have the kitchen send up some tea,” I say instead. “Let’s walk you back.”
Amanda nods. I guide her toward the door—then stop.
Sierra stands there, hand raised to knock.
“Sierra.”
Her eyes flick between us, sharp, assessing.
“Sorry to interrupt.” There’s a chill in her voice. “I can come back.”
“No. It’s fine.” I’m already stepping aside. “I just need to walk Amanda to her room. I’ll be right back.”
She nods, lips tight.
For a second, I just look at her, trying to read what brought her here.
She drops her gaze first.
Right. Amanda.
I let go of Amanda’s hand too quickly, and she notices. Of course she does.
I escort her down the hall, more distracted than I should be. It only takes a minute, but her anxiety spikes again once we reach her door. I steady her, make sure the guards understand the shift rotations, make sure she’s not left alone for a second.
Only when everything is locked down to my satisfaction do I head back, texting Micah to send the tea.
Sierra is waiting outside my office, arms crossed.
“You could’ve gone in,” I say.
She shakes her head. “This won’t take long.”