The girl nodded slightly, her eyes dropping to the warmth of the stew. She was like a bird with clipped wings, grounded and struggling to find safety. Here, in the quiet refuge of an old outlaw’s home, she dared to breathe, to hope. The reality of her escape was still raw, etched into her skin; the memories of the night, vivid and unrelenting. But for a fleeting moment, she found solace in Ethan’s unexpected compassion.

“Why help me?” she asked, curiosity mingling with suspicion. It was a reasonable question, especially from someone who had only known betrayal and pain.