Alina's POV
I couldn't pull my eyes away from his. My chest felt tight, a mix of disbelief and a warmth I hadn't felt in years. He reached out, his calloused hand folding over mine, and offered a soft smile.
"I am here now," he whispered, his voice steady. "No one will ever hurt you again."
The dam broke. Hot tears spilled over, tracing tracks down my cheeks. He didn't look away; instead, he leaned in and gently brushed the moisture away with his thumb.
"I still can't believe this is real," I choked out, my voice thick and trembling. "I have a brother. I actually have surviving kin."
"Yes, you do." His expression darkened for a flicker of a second before softening. "I might have failed you all these years, but I'm going to make everything right. You don't have to worry about anyone ever again."
A small, genuine smile finally tugged at my lips. I looked at the scars on his hands and the hardness in his posture. "You said a family took you in... so how did you end up a rogue?"
