Chapter 59: Unexpected Gestures
The walk back to the main packgrounds was filled with uncomfortable silence. Lily kept a careful distance from Zayn, still processing their conversation about his scars. She’d seen a glimpse of vulnerability in him she hadn’t expected, and now she didn’t know how to act around him.
Zayn strode ahead, his broad shoulders rigid with tension. He hadn’t spoken a word since they left the vault. The night air was cool against Lily’s skin, a welcome relief after the intensity of their conversation.
When they reached the fork in the path, Lily found herself rooted to the spot. She looked at both paths nervously, knowing where they led but unsure which to take. Zayn had already gone down the path towards the main packgrounds.
When he noticed her absence and turned. “What’s wrong?”
Lily pointed nervously towards the other path, then back at herself.
Zayn’s brow furrowed. “Would you prefer to sleep out there instead?”
She considered it for a moment but shook her head.
“Then follow me,” he said, firmly but not unkind.
Entering the packhouse the floorboard creaked beneath their feet. It was late in the night, there was no one else, only them. Lily could not help but tremble. They walked through the corridors where she had once been forced to scrub floors until her hands bled. Every corner held a memory of humiliation or pain.
Together, they went upstairs. Lily’s steps grew even more hesitant. Zayn continued forward, seemingly unaware of her distress until they reached his room.
He turned to find Lily frozen several paces behind him, her entire body trembling. Her eyes were wide with undisguised terror.
“Lily?” he asked, his voice uncharacteristically soft.