Filbur’s hand was anchoring me in the present, preventing me from spiralling too far into the past. Preventing me from getting lost deep into traumatic memories.
The sand was warm under my feet as we walked, slowly but surely toward Khegon’s palace, where said past was waiting to confront me.
He’dfoundme. How did he find me? This madenofucking sense, I—
“Back to the present, my love.” Filbur squeezed my hand. “Back to me.”
I released a charge breath and looked up at him. He appeared calm.Waycalmer than me.
“I can feel your pulse in your hand,Kadhasse. It is too fast and strong, even by human standards.”
“I just—” A pause. Another breath. “I don’t understand how he figured out where I was. I didn’t eventhinkhe’d leave stinky little Earth to go after me if hedid! Why—”
“We will have every answer once we face him,” Filbur interrupted, giving my hand another squeeze. “You need to stay calm, yes? You have done nothing wrong. We will protect you.”
They could see lies. Jake wouldn’t be able to get away with his usual tactics.
You’re safe here, Tammy.He can’t hurt you anymore.
My feet started dragging into the sand and we were standing on Khegon’s private beach less than five minutes later. His mansion was towering over us, the closed gate leading to the back of his house taunting my sudden inability to move.
“You are strong,” Filbur said, leaning close enough to drop a kiss on my temple. “The little man cannot harm you. Hecannotdo anything.”
“I know. You’re right. He’s no one here. He has no power.”
His grin widened, one of his bald eyebrows arching up. “Absolutely none. And even less overyou.”
I couldn’t answer. My sole focus was on following my husband who had started walking confidently toward the huge door. My husband who, by standing by my side, made me feel like I had all the power in the palm of my hand. Hand that he was holding firmly in his, grounding me.
Jake has no power here. He has no power over me.
I can do this.
The palace washuge. The high pillars supported the roof three floors up, leaving lots of balconies above for Filbur’s family tokeep an eye on us as we moved toward the platform where Khegon’s throne was.
He lookedpissed.
And I could see why.
It wasn’t just Jake and Maxwell. Jake’s parents were here too, angry faces turned to us. My parents, avoiding my eyes, stood ramrod straight on Maxwell’s side.
The only hint that I’d frozen on the spot was Filbur’s body, moving to stand before me, hiding them all from sight.
“It is alright,Kadhasse. You can do this. I am by your side.”
“Both Jake’s parents and mine areawareof what he put me through. They let him do this. They—”
“Have no power here,” he repeated softly, brushing a finger along my cheek. “Canco people do not tolerate abuse. We do not listen to lies. They will be gone soon, I promise.”
No power. None of them. Right.
I wasn’t the scared girl I’d been when I escaped. Not anymore. Filbur gave me the chance to discover myself. He gave me my confidence back. Mylife.
So, I lifted my chin high and resumed our walk, ignoring them all and focusing on my brother-in-law until my husband and I both stopped before the platform.
“Qumhasse,” Khegon said softly, standing up with a small smile pulling at his lips, spreading his arms in invitation.
My throat bobbed. Filbur squeezed my hand, urging me forward.
