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Acilia had turned to him when she didn't know who else to trust. Fear had swelled in her stomach, replacing the blinding heat of anger that had driven her. When she'd thrown herself on his doorstep he had taken her in without hesitation, washing the grime and muck from her body and holding her even in her silence. It took her two days to speak to him, curling against him and seeking the salvation he promised. He didn't judge her. He didn't flinch from her touch when she spoke about what had transpired. He didn't send her out into the night.

Her sleep became more fitful, tucked safe and sound in his arms, knowing that for once she was finally, truly, free.