Chapter 23

"They almost had her; we were there just in time," I heard the familiar voice.

My forehead creased, and through tear-filled eyes, I saw the frame studying me while holding the phone to his ear.

When I saw Rune peering down at me, a weak relief filled me when he reported into the phone,

"Adler, she's fine. It was a close call, though."

I smiled through my tears, threw every discomfort I felt around him; unable to control the relief, I hugged him.

"Thank you... Thank you so much."

He appeared rigid. I knew he was staring down at my head as my shoulders shook, and I cried into his chest, "I thought I was going to die."

Rune patted my head awkwardly, then muttered, "It's alright, dollface,"

But I still clung to his shirt, refusing to let go, afraid to let go. I wasn't in danger anymore, but I couldn't overcome the fear that had enveloped me, the terror that consumed me.

It was so extreme that it blurred my vision, and although a part of the reason I held onto Rune was