Her heart and yearning found solace at last; she was no longer alone.

Eventually, in Holden's embrace, she regained composure.

Gazing up at him with reddened, swollen eyes, she whispered, “It's not too late. I knew you'd rescue me."

Holden embraced her more firmly, tenderly caressing her head before assisting her to a nearby chair. Kneeling beside her, he scrutinized the scars on her body-recent injuries from combat, old wounds from the previous incident, and marks from rigorous training.

The sight of her scars and the memories they evoked fueled a fierce determination within him, his eyes ablaze with resolve.