“Sha’ul!”
Lara woke herself with her own cry, flailing her arms helplessly to stop the scene before her.
Gentle arms on hers held her steady. “I’m here, Lara.”
Sha’ul’s voice.
“Sha’ul, help!”
“You’re safe, Lara.” Sha’ul’s words began to penetrate the blinding panic. She stopped struggling and panted, slowing becoming aware of her surroundings. A cheery blaze crackled in the hearth, and gray light showed through the window of Sha’ul’s cottage.
“I’m here, Lara.” The touch on her arms remained.
She opened her eyes and saw him. A deep breath shuddered through her. She blinked and stared, as if to confirm he was really alive before her. He wore his trousers but was bare from the waist up, his ebony hair flowing about his shoulders and down his back. “Sha’ul,” she whispered, holding out h
