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"One second," I murmured, and ducked into the hall to hunt for a bathroom.
I found a glass and filled it with water, relieved as hell to return and find her standing at the foot of the bed, shifting her weight from foot to foot. But she moved gingerly, like she was tender—and in pain.
I wanted to gather her into a hug, but I forced myself to only hand over the glass of water. She downed it with a rasp of thanks, her red, marked throat bobbing with every swallow. I was glad she'd drained the whole glass; I would have insisted on it anyway.
"Thanks," she said again, her voice clearer.
"Anytime, darling," I replied, softer than I should have spoken if the sharpening of her eyes was anything to go by. But her stare fell on my collar and she seemed to relax. It wasn't the first time someone had trusted me merely because I was a holy man; I was glad to offer her that scant comfort. "Is there anything else I can get you?"
She shook her head, thin black braids falling down her back as she glanced around the room. "I'm fine."
She was far from fine.
"Don't—don't tell Astrid about this," she blurted suddenly, turning to pin me with an intense look that reminded me uncomfortably of Shade. "Please. I don't want her to worry about me, and this … I know you can smell it. Just … keep it secret, okay?"
"Luna," I breathed.
We both flinched when a fierce shout came from the room beside hers—the one with the lily scent.
"Come any closer, and I'll cut your balls off!" a woman screamed in a throaty voice.
I blinked.
Luna snorted, a brief glint of humour in her beautiful dark face. "She's got the right idea. Tell anyone what happened to me, and I'll cut your balls off."
I sighed sadly. "If you keep this secret, you won't get the help you need, Luna. If you keep this bottled up—"
"What wouldyouknow?" she demanded, stalking a step closer, her shoulders rounded and fists clenched. "Nothing.So mind your own fucking business, and keep your mouth shut."
My eyes widened, my heart skipping. She was still weak and shaky, but God was clearly listening to my prayers because she had strength in spades.
"Ah shit, I just swore at a vicar," she groaned, rubbing her face and then wincing at whatever she smelled on her wrist.
"All clear," Prodigy bellowed from below.
"Swear at me all you like, Luna," I said, trying to smile without it wobbling. "You've been through an ordeal; I think you're due a swearing session."
"Stop saying ordeal; I'm not a victim," she huffed defiantly. "And I'mfine, so stop looking at me like I'm a breakable doll."
"It's okay if you're not fine," I replied gently, earning a glare.
"Just take me to my sister, and don't tell her what happened. Consider it a confession."
I wanted to argue, but that wouldn't be helpful to Luna right now.
"I'm here whenever you want me to hear another confession," I offered, and led her out into the hall, down the stairs, and to where Astrid waited outside.
It was painful to hold my tongue, but I wouldn't betray Luna's confidence.
"You alright?" Guardian asked from the hallway behind me.
I turned and offered a shrug.
My mate was raped, and she was going to bury that trauma where it would grow, fester, and build until it could break her.
I honestly didn't know.
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