However deep his despair sank, Adrian was always found by light. The door burst open without warning, and even with the rough sack tied over his head, he could see the glow bleeding through the fabric.
It made him blink rapidly as his cold, swollen eyes struggled to adjust.
"Adrian?"
The voice reached him first. Familiar and steady. It was Silas.
The next second, hands fumbled at his side, tugging the sack off with frantic urgency. Adrian squinted as light filled his vision, and the first thing he saw was Silas' face panicked and worried, hair messy from running.
"Silas?" His voice cracked, and tears slipped down before he could stop them. "I—"
He didn't get another word out. Silas pulled him into a tight embrace, arms tightening as if he feared Adrian might disappear again.
The usually grounded boy was trembling so hard it made Adrian's breath hitch. Warm drops soaked into his shirt, sliding down his collar.
