@riverheld âyou know if he had done it, I could have killed him.â from quINN
â  QUINN⊠ DONâT  TALK  LIKE  THAT.  â  it  could  be  an  empty  threat haphazardly  tossed  out  of  rage toward  their  captors (  he  hopes that  it  is  )  but  regardless,  it  sends  a  chill  down  his  spine. it  disturbs  luke to  hear  threats of  such  violence wielded  like  theyâre nothing. Â
still,  best  not  to  focus  on  the  what-ifs.  what matters  is  that  quinn  escaped and  that,  at  least  for  now,  theyâre safe. Â
he  reaches  for  quinnâs  hand,  enveloping  it  between  his  own.  he  cradles  it  against  his  heart  like  a  most  precious  thing, searching  the  otherâs expression.  quinn  is  not  made  of  brittle bone,  but  the  experience  would  at  least  rattle  anyone. for  now,  making quinn  feel  safe  again  is  what  matters.
whatever  they  must  do  to  truly  protect quinn  from  this  ever  happening again  can  wait  until  theyâve both  rested.  behind the  drawn,  flower-patterned  curtains, the  first  ribbons of  dawn  bleed  through  the  inky  horizon. itâs  been  a  long  night  and  it  is  not  yet  over. Â
â  are  you  okay?  what  can  I  do  for  you?  â












