Elara Quinn POV
Elara nearly tripped on the front step as she rushed inside.
"Sorry," she said quickly, catching herself.
A warm laugh answered her.
"Slow down, child," Grace said. "The soup is not running away."
Elara smiled as she stepped into the soup kitchen. The smell of food wrapped around her like a hug. Voices filled the room. Soft. Familiar. Safe.
This place always made her breathe easier.
"Busy day?" Grace asked, handing her a towel.
"Elara nodded. "Very busy."
Grace studied her face. "Sit first."
"I can help," Elara said.
"You will," Grace replied. "After you sit."
Elara obeyed. Grace had that kind of voice.
Elara lowered herself onto a chair, her shoulders sagging as soon as she stopped moving. She did not realize how tired she was until now.
Grace poured her a cup of tea and set it in front of her. "Drink."
Elara wrapped her hands around the cup. "Thank you."
Grace sat across from her. She did not speak right away. She waited.
That was something Grace always did. She waited until people were ready.
"I think I'm doing something wrong," Elara said suddenly.
Grace lifted an eyebrow. "That so?"
"Everything looks good on the outside," Elara continued. "The charity drive is growing. People are happy. Donations are up."
"But," Grace said gently.
"But I feel like I'm standing on thin ice," Elara finished.
Grace nodded slowly. "Tell me why."
Elara hesitated. She did not want to sound ungrateful. Or foolish.
"There are small things," she said. "Little moments that don't add up."
Grace leaned forward. "Little things matter."
Elara told her about the missing money. About Marcus offering to handle it. About the cameras. About being pushed into the spotlight.
She did not mention Vanessa by name.
Grace listened without interrupting.
When Elara finished, Grace sighed.
"Child," she said softly, "not everyone who smiles is your friend."
Elara smiled weakly. "I know. I just don't want to believe it."
Grace reached across the table and took Elara's hand. "You were hurt when you were young."
Elara swallowed. "Yes."
"So you learned to survive by trusting," Grace continued. "That is not a flaw. But it can be dangerous."
Elara pulled her hand back gently. "I don't want to live suspicious of everyone."
"I am not asking you to," Grace replied. "I am asking you to open your eyes."
Elara stood up. "I'll be fine."
Grace frowned. "You always say that."
Elara forced a smile. "Because I usually am."
She grabbed another towel and moved toward the counter. "Let me help."
Grace watched her go.
Elara moved through the kitchen like she always had. Helping. Serving. Smiling. Saying kind words.
People thanked her. Hugged her. Called her a blessing.
Each word made her heart ache a little.
Grace watched from a distance.
After dinner was served and the room began to quiet, Elara washed her hands and headed back to Grace.
"I should go," Elara said. "Tomorrow is another long day."
Grace nodded. "Come here."
She wrapped Elara in a hug. Tight. Protective.
"You are good," Grace said into her hair. "Never doubt that."
Elara pulled back, blinking fast. "Thank you."
As she turned to leave, Grace spoke again.
"Be careful," she said. "Good people attract bad ones."
Elara paused. "I know."
But she did not.
Elara stepped outside into the cold night. Snow drifted down slowly. Christmas lights glowed along the street.
She breathed in deep.
This was what mattered. Helping. Giving. Believing.
She walked away, unaware of the danger tightening around her.
Back inside, Grace stood alone.
The kitchen was quiet now. Chairs stacked. Lights dim.
Grace moved to the small corner where she always prayed.
She knelt.
"Lord," she whispered, clasping her hands. "Protect that girl."
Her voice trembled.
"She has too much light," Grace continued. "And the world loves to break bright things."
Grace bowed her head.
"She can't see the wolves circling," she said softly. "But You can."
A sound echoed at the door.
Grace looked up.
The door was closed.
She exhaled slowly and returned to her prayer.
Outside, across town, a screen lit up in a dark office.
Files opened. Names scrolled.
Elara Quinn.
A plan moved forward.
And while Elara slept that night believing in kindness, something sharp and patient waited for the moment to strike.