Maria
Everything slowly died down after the healer's announcement.
The tension that had once filled the corridor like thick smoke began to thin, voices lowering, footsteps retreating. The crowd dispersed gradually, and for the first time since the chaos began, I could breathe properly.
I was grateful.
Grateful beyond words to Daniel.
If he hadn't stepped in when he did, I would have been dragged to the dungeon without another word. I could already imagine it, the cold walls, the darkness, the humiliation. And knowing the Quadruplets' temper, I doubted it would have stopped at mere confinement.
A shiver ran down my spine.
Daniel had saved me.
I didn't know what pushed him to intervene, or why he chose that moment, but I owed him. Deeply.
He caught my eye from across the corridor and offered me a small smile. It wasn't wide or showy, just subtle reassurance.
I tried to return it.
My lips curved slightly, but the smile didn't reach my mind. My thoughts were elsewhere.
Noah.
