Page 44 of North’s Claim

I smile. “Always.”

When I hang up, the smile lingers. For the first time in years, someone is asking about me just because they care, and I’m not hiding anymore.

The knock on the door makes my stomach twist. I glance at the time and curse. I got so wrapped up in the call and the morning chores I didn’t realize the hour.

The therapy sessions have been helpful, more than I ever want to admit. Maeve has this way of asking questions that don’t just peel back layers… they expose wounds I didn’t even know I was hiding.

I let her in, and we settle into the living room. It’s warm, safe, and home.

“You seem brighter,” Maeve starts, watching me like she always does, calm, curious, never judging.

I nod. “I think I am. I laugh now, don’t flinch as much as I used to and I sleep.”

She waits. Doesn’t fill the silence. Just gives me space.

“I even… trust him,” I admit.

Her smile is soft. “North?”

“Yeah. I don’t know how, but I do. I shouldn’t. I mean, I’m not stupid. I know what kind of world this is. What kind of man he is.”

“But?”

I shrug, staring down at my hands. “He doesn’t look at me like I’m weak. Or like I’m broken. He… sees me.”

Maeve leans in slightly. “And how does that make you feel?”

“It terrifies me.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m starting to feel like I belong here. Like… like I want to stay.”

She’s quiet again. Then leans back in the armchair. “Would that be so bad?”

“I never planned to.” Especially since North told me he’s not someone who does relationships. “I thought this was temporary. A stop between disasters.”

“But now?”

“I don’t know. It feels like more, and I hate that it does.”

“Because it gives someone power over you.”

“Exactly.”

Maeve studies me carefully. “Nyxa, do you think you love him?”

“I don’t believe in love,” I answer too fast.

She raises a brow. “That sounds like fear, not certainty.”

I blink, and my chest tightens.

“Have you talked to him about staying?”

“No.” What if he says no? What if he’s just waiting to set me free when he thinks I’m okay?

Maeve frowns. “Do you want to leave?”