— Midnight —
Hoor shivered, pulling her dust-covered frock closer.
Her voice had gone weak from crying.
Her eyes drifted shut, then opened again — afraid to fall asleep, afraid of the dark swallowing her completely.
The door suddenly clicked.
She tensed.
Footsteps approached… firm, controlled… each step heavier than before.
Azmeer entered.
No guards.
No weapons.
Just him.
He didn't speak at first.
He simply stood there, looking at her — really looking at her.
Hoor wiped her face quickly, trying to appear brave.
He noticed that.
His voice came quiet, deeper than before.
"Why didn't you sleep?"
She blinked at him, confused by the question.
How could anyone sleep here?
Her voice cracked softly.
"I was… scared."
A long pause.
Azmeer exhaled slowly.
Not angry.
Not mocking.
Just… struggling with something inside.
_____________'TO BE CONTINUED _____________