Lily POV
Running footsteps echoed through the hallway, followed by a familiar voice calling my name. "Lily! Lily, where are you?"
Celeste burst through the broken doorway, her eyes wild with panic. Uncle Tobias was right behind her, his face grim and worried.
When Celeste saw me on the floor, she immediately dropped down beside me and pulled me into a fierce hug. I clung to her, my whole body still shaking, and for a moment I just let myself be held.
When we finally pulled apart, Celeste's hands moved over my body frantically, checking for injuries. "Are you okay? Are you hurt? Did they touch you? I swear to god, if they hurt you—"
"I'm fine," I managed to get out, though my voice was still trembling. "I'm okay. Nathan... Nathan protected me."
Celeste's gaze shifted to Nathan, who was still kneeling nearby, and something complex flickered across her face. Recognition, maybe? Or surprise?
