He held her hand gently, trying to warm her trembling fingers.
Naina stared at their joined hands, stunned. 'This is… the first time a man has held my hand.'
People always thought she was too composed, too perfect, and too distant to need comfort. They assumed she didn't break. They assumed she didn't fear.
But Oliver saw through the cracks she desperately hid.
Suppressing the sudden swell of emotion, she reached into her bag with trembling fingers and pulled out twenty talismans. She handed them to Maya.
Maya's eyes widened. Tears collected in them. "If we survive… I'll report your sacrifice to the higher authorities. I promise."
Naina shook her head softly.
"You don't need to act like this is our last parting speech, Maya. Just do as I say. Wear the gloves and stay alert. Make five people and distribute one talisman to them."
