Mira looked up at her.
Irina gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Lock the door. Don't open it for anyone unless you're absolutely certain who they are. If you hear anything strange, stay hidden and don't try to investigate. I'll come back as soon as I can."
Mira searched her face for a moment, then nodded.
"Okay."
She offered a small smile, one that still carried traces of fear but was steadier than before. "I'll be fine. Don't worry about me."
Irina returned the smile, though the tension in her eyes remained. "You'd better be."
Mira let out a quiet laugh, and for a brief moment, the room felt a little less heavy. Irina appreciated it more than she showed. She had spent so much of the day thinking about Liam's disappearance that she had almost forgotten how important it was to make sure Mira understood that her rescue had not been temporary. Whatever happened next, Irina would not willingly hand her back to Eldric.
