The Edge of Truth

[Hotel Balcony – Just Past Midnight]

Adeline sat curled on the balcony chair, knees to chest, a blanket over her shoulders. The evening was still, city lights shimmering below.

Elias stepped out quietly, two mugs held in one hand.

"Chamomile," he said, handing one over.

She accepted with a small nod. "Thanks."

He did not sit, just leaned over against the railing beside her.

She looked up. "You haven't asked what I remembered."

"You'd tell me if you wanted to."

She looked at him. "Always so controlled."

He gave a tiny smirk. "It's safer that way."

"I remembered a voice," she said slowly. "In the dark. It told me to be quiet. That I was safe. I think it was yours."

He didn't respond.

Her eyes narrowed. "Was it?"

He finally looked at her. "Does it matter now?"

"It does to me."

Elias sighed and stared out at the skyline. "You were gone for three weeks. I know that much."

"Three?"

"You were missing. People thought you'd split. Or snapped. Nobody searched."

Her chest constricted. "You searched?"

"I didn't stop."

There was a moment of silence.

"Why didn't you tell me after?" she said. "When I returned?"

"I didn't know if you'd remember." He paused. "And I didn't want to be included in the tale you were so desperate to leave behind."

Adeline's voice was subdued. "You were."

His answer was gentle. "I know."

She took a sip of her tea, gaze locked on the skyline. "I recall a hand over my mouth.a chain on my ankle. And someone hiding me where it was dark. You did get me out, didn't you?"

He gazed down. "I tried."

Tried.

Not succeeded.

Her breathing caught. "Then who did?"

Elias didn't reply.

Rather, he moved closer, dropping to his haunches.

"Do you want the entire truth at this moment?"

She nodded her head slowly. "I want it when you're ready."

He nodded once.

And she didn't know until then—he was shaking too.