Sera's POV
Her voice wasn't just a faint tremor this time; it was a warm, gentle presence reaching through the dark fog that had shrouded her for months. My eyes watered instantly at the sound of her, the sudden return of her voice striking a chord deep in my chest.
Vera... I called back in the quiet space of my mind, a silent plea wrapped in a sob. We've been hurt our whole life.
Please, she whimpered back, her tone desperate yet strangely certain. Trust him.
I squeezed my eyes shut, unable to hold back the fresh tear that spilled over my lashes, tracking down my bruised cheek to sting the tender skin beneath.
"I'm not leaving this room until you give me something," Gideon said gently, his tone firm but devoid of any threat. He stayed right where he was, honoring my space while hold
