The morning light spilled through the window, casting a soft glow on the small cabin. Liora woke to the sound of birds chirping outside. For the first time in a long time, she didn't feel the usual ache of fear and pain inside her chest.
She turned and saw Aeron still sleeping beside her, his face relaxed and calm — a stark contrast to the dark, violent man she had first met. She reached out, gently brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead.
He stirred, his eyes opening slowly. When he saw her, a small, genuine smile touched his lips. "Good morning," he said, voice rough but warm.
"Good morning," she whispered back, feeling a flutter of something new inside her.
They spent the morning in quiet comfort, the kind of silence that doesn't feel empty but safe. Aeron made breakfast, and Liora helped him, their movements easy and natural.
After eating, Aeron suggested they take a walk to a nearby lake he knew of — a place he said was peaceful, away from the noise of the world.
Liora agreed, grateful for the chance to be outside again.
The walk was slow, their hands occasionally brushing until Aeron finally took hers, his grip firm but gentle.
At the lake, the water was still and clear, reflecting the blue sky above.
They sat on the grassy bank, watching ducks glide across the surface.
For a while, neither spoke. The calmness was a balm to their restless souls.
Finally, Liora broke the silence. "I never thought I'd be able to trust anyone again."
Aeron looked at her, understanding in his eyes. "Neither did I."
She swallowed hard, the memories threatening to pull her under. "My stepfather… he hurt me for years. My mother saw it but didn't stop it. Sometimes I think they wanted me gone."
Aeron's jaw tightened. "No one should ever feel that way. You deserved better."
She nodded, tears slipping down her cheeks. "But I'm still here."
"And that makes you stronger than most," he said quietly.
He reached out, wiping her tears with his thumb. The simple touch sent a shock through her — a mixture of fear and comfort.
"Why do you care?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Aeron hesitated, then said, "Because I see myself in you. Broken, but still fighting."
Liora looked at him, searching his face. "I don't want to be your next victim."
He shook his head fiercely. "You're not. I'm not that man anymore."
"Do you think you can change?"
He met her gaze, eyes dark and serious. "I have to. For you."
The weight of his words settled between them.
They sat close, shoulders touching, sharing the warmth.
As the sun began to dip, Aeron suggested they head back.
On the way, they talked more openly than before — about dreams lost and hopes yet to come.
Liora shared her wish to find happiness, to feel safe.
Aeron admitted he had never wanted anyone before, but with her, it was different.
They stopped at a small diner for dinner, their laughter echoing softly as they shared stories.
It was a new beginning — fragile, uncertain, but real.
Back at the cabin, Aeron looked at Liora with a tenderness that surprised them both.
"Thank you for trusting me," he said.
She smiled, the warmth in her heart growing.
"Thank you for saving me," she replied.
That night, they fell asleep wrapped in each other's arms, two broken souls finding a fragile peace.