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"Hey, Berezira... wake up, dear," Jerald gently touched the girl's leg, hoping to rouse her from her tormenting nightmare. Her reaction was immediate – she shot up from the bed like a startled deer, her eyes filled with wild confusion and fear.

"It's me," Jerald assured her, his voice laced with calm and kindness. As her dazed gaze slowly focused on his face, he saw her small shoulders relax slightly. "I'm sorry, Good Master," she whispered, still shaken.

Jerald contemplated correcting her and reminding her that he was now addressed as 'father,' but with her recent nightmare likely bringing back painful memories, he decided against it. "You've got nothing to apologize for, Berezira," he reassured her. He then got up from the bed, extending a hand to the girl. "Come, there's something I want to give you."

Without hesitation, Berezira placed her trust in him, slipping her hand into his. Jerald marveled at how this young girl, who had every reason to distrust men, had come to trust him s