Page 108 of Body and Soul

“Take it slow,” he murmured. “There's no rush.”

I nodded and took a tentative step forward, then another. My legs felt shaky and weak, like a newborn foal, but I was determined to make it out of the room under my own power.

Step by halting step, I made my way out of the bedroom, Gavin's supportive presence at my side. The short hallway felt like it went on forever, but the sight that greeted me in the kitchen made it all worth it.

Bryce stood at the island, a veritable feast laid out before him. The countertops were covered with takeout containers of every shape and size, their delectable scents mingling together in a tantalizing aroma. Chinese, Thai, Italian, Mexican... It looked like he had ordered from every restaurant in a five-mile radius.

As I stepped into the room, Bryce looked up, his dark eyes softening with warmth and relief. “Eli,” he breathed, moving around the island to meet me halfway. “I’m so glad you’re ok!”

And then his arms were around me, solid and strong, pulling me into a fierce embrace. I melted into his hold, my face pressed into the crook of his neck as I breathed in the familiar, comforting scent of him. Of Shepherd and Keres…of all of them.

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, my throat tightening with emotion. I tried to blink them back, to swallow past thelump in my throat, but it was a losing battle. A choked sob escaped me, muffled against Bryce's shoulder.

Bryce's arms tightened around me as the sobs wracked my frail body, his large hand rubbing soothing circles on my back. “Shh, it's all right,” he murmured. “You're safe now. I've got you.”

I clung to him like a lifeline, my fingers fisting in the soft fabric of his shirt. It felt like a dam had burst inside me, all the pent-up fear and pain and exhaustion pouring out in a cathartic flood. I wept until my throat was raw and my eyes burned, but through it all, Bryce held me steady. Gradually, the sobs subsided into hiccuping breaths and shuddering sighs.

Bryce eased back slightly, his hands coming up to frame my face. His thumbs brushed gently over my damp cheeks, wiping away the lingering tears. “There now. Better?”

I managed a wobbly nod, sniffling a bit. “Yeah,” I croaked, my voice hoarse from crying. “S-sorry... I didn't mean to fall apart like that.”

Bryce shook his head, a small smile curving his lips. “You have nothing to apologize for, Eli. Not after what you've been through. Crying is cathartic. It’s good for you.”

I nodded, wiping at my nose with the back of my hand. Bryce kept an arm around my shoulders as he guided me over to one of the stools at the kitchen island. “Come on, you should eat something. I may have gone a little overboard with the ordering, but I wanted to make sure there was something here that you'd like.”

A watery chuckle escaped me as I took in the vast array of takeout containers and foil-wrapped dishes. “A little? This could feed an army.”

Bryce's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. “Well, I wasn't sure what you'd be in the mood for. And I figured leftovers are never a bad thing.” He started opening containers,releasing mouthwatering puffs of fragrant steam. “We've got pad Thai, butter chicken, kung pao chicken, enchiladas, lasagna, risotto... Take your pick.”

My stomach rumbled loudly, reminding me that I hadn't eaten a proper meal in days.

Bryce's gaze flicked over my shoulder and he gave a small nod. “Thank you, Gavin. For everything.”

I turned to see Gavin still standing near the hallway, hands clasped professionally in front of him. He inclined his head at Bryce's words. “Of course. I'm glad I could be of assistance.” His cool gray eyes met mine. “Eli, your vitals are stable and you're not in any immediate medical distress. But if you start to feel worse or have any concerning symptoms, don't hesitate to let Bryce know. He can contact me at any time if needed.”

I nodded my understanding, a lump of gratitude lodging in my throat. “Thank you, Gavin,” I managed to rasp out. “For... for taking care of me.”

The barest hint of a smile touched Gavin's usually stern mouth. “You're welcome. I'll give you two some privacy now. Rest and recover well, Eli.” With a final nod to Bryce, he turned and quietly let himself out of the apartment.

I turned back to the spread of food laid out before me, my stomach growling more insistently. Bryce nudged a plate and fork toward me with an encouraging smile. “Go on, dig in. You need to get your strength back.”

I didn't need to be told twice. I filled my plate with a little of everything, the savory scents making my mouth water. The first bite of butter chicken practically melted on my tongue, and I couldn't help the little moan of pleasure that escaped me. After days of deprivation and fasting, the explosion of flavors was almost overwhelming.

Bryce took a seat on the stool next to me, watching me eat with an indulgent smile. He kept one hand resting lightly on my back,his thumb rubbing absent circles between my shoulder blades. The simple touch grounded me, reminding me that I was safe, that I was cared for.

For a while, the only sounds were the clink of my fork against the plate and my appreciative mumbles as I worked my way through the smorgasbord. Bryce didn't press me to talk, seeming content to simply sit with me in easy silence as I sated my hunger.

It was only when I was scraping the last morsels from my plate that Bryce spoke again, his voice low and gentle. “I was worried about you, you know. We all were. When Shepherd realized you were gone and we couldn't get ahold of you...” Bryce's hand slid up to squeeze the nape of my neck gently.

I swallowed hard, setting down my fork with a shaky hand. “I thought they were going to kill me,” I whispered hoarsely, blinking against the sting of fresh tears. “They talked abouteatingme. And I realized… I wondered…”

I faltered, struggling to give voice to the horrific thought that had haunted me ever since I overheard the cultists' depraved plans. “When I was in the cult, they fed me... things. Meat I didn't recognize.” I pushed my plate away, suddenly feeling sick. “What if... what if they were feeding me human flesh? Without my knowledge? Oh God, Bryce. What if I... what if Iate someone?”

Bryce gathered me into his arms, pulling me tight against his broad chest as if he could shield me from the atrocity of it all. “Breathe Eli. Just breathe with me.” He began taking slow, deliberate breaths, coaching me to match his rhythm. It took a few shuddering tries, but gradually the tightness in my chest eased.

After a few moments, Bryce eased his hold, leaning back to look at me with deep, compassionate eyes. “Listen to me, Eli.What happened to you was not your fault. You couldn't have known.”

But the horrifying implications were spiraling through my mind now, unstoppable. If they had fed human meat to me, an unwitting prisoner, had they done the same to the children born into the cult? To Dani?

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