Sofia didn't smell the familiar scent of Damien. Instead, a familiar, kind scent filled the air.
It was Matthew.
He knelt beside her, quickly pulling a hidden bundle from under his cloak. Inside was a bowl of warm stew and a small vial of healing medicine.
"Sofia," he whispered, his eyes filled with pain. "Eat this. Quickly."
"Matthew, no," she gasped, her voice trembling with fear. "He told everyone… no food. If he catches you, he'll kill you. Please, just leave me."
"I don't care about his orders," Matthew said firmly. He ignored her pleas and began to spoon the warm liquid into her mouth. For a moment, the warmth of the food and the medicine made Sofia feel human again. Matthew wiped a stray tear from her cheek, his touch gentle and full of the affection Damien had thrown away.
Suddenly, the door didn't just creak—it shattered off its hinges.
