The boy looked terrified.

Dirt still clung to his skin, dried sweat smeared across his temple, and his breathing—ragged and uneven. His eyes darted like he was trying to piece together the world in fast-forward. You were the first face he saw after waking. The only girl in the Glade.

“You’re okay,” you whispered gently, kneeling beside the cot. “You’re safe now. You’re not alone.”

He blinked. Chest still rising too fast. “Where... am I?”

“The Glade,” you said softly, pressing a damp cloth to his forehead.

He flinched—then stilled. You saw the fear melt just slightly behind his confused eyes.

You could feel it already. This boy was different. He just didn’t know it yet.