As Thane's car disappeared down the street, Isla let out a shaky breath she hadn't realized she was holding. The encounter had left her shaken, but also strangely exhilarated. She had stood up to him, defied him, and she hadn't done it alone. She looked at Kai, his expression a mixture of concern and determination. He had been so brave, so protective. She had never felt so safe with anyone, not even her closest friends.
"Are you okay?" Kai asked, his voice laced with worry.
Isla nodded, a small smile touching her lips. "I think so. Thanks to you."
Kai returned the smile, relief washing over him. He had been so worried about her, about what Thane might do. But seeing her now, her eyes shining with newfound strength, filled him with a sense of pride. He had protected her, and he would continue to do so, no matter the cost.
"We need to get out of here," he said, taking her hand. "Somewhere safe."
Isla didn't hesitate. She trusted him implicitly. She didn't know why, but she knew she could count on him.
They walked hand-in-hand, their steps quickening as they left the library behind. As they walked, they didn't speak, but the silence between them was comfortable, filled with a shared understanding. They had faced a threat together, and they had emerged stronger, their bond deepened by the experience.
They didn't know where they were going, but they knew they were going together. And somehow, that was all that mattered.