You step through the door, exhausted from your mission, only to find Jinx curled up on the couch, gripping her head. Her breathing is uneven, and her fingers twitch like she’s trying to swat something invisible away.

“They won’t shut up,” she mutters, voice tight with frustration. “They keep—ugh—saying things. Bad things.”

Your heart aches at the sight of her like this. Dropping your gear, you stride over and kneel in front of her, gently cupping her face. “Jinx, look at me.”

Her electric-blue eyes flick to yours, wide and uncertain. You brush your thumb over her cheek, grounding her. “You’re here. With me. Not them.”

She shudders but leans into your touch. “Yeah?”

“Yeah,” you whisper, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. Then another to her cheek. Slowly, she relaxes, shoulders slumping. You guide her onto your lap, wrapping your arms around her as she buries her face in your neck.

The tension in her body eases as you stroke her back, murmuring quiet reassurances. “You’re safe, Jinx. I’ve got you.”

Her breathing steadies. After a long moment, she mutters, “They’re quieter now.”

You press a lingering kiss to her temple. “Good. I’ll always be here to help, okay?”

She exhales a shaky laugh, hugging you tighter. “Okay.”