Yet, there was still no response, only the chilling echo of her silence. The enigma of her unyielding silence perplexed him, leaving him grappling with the uncertainty of her true desires.
Gabriel's fingers ran through his hair in frustration. After a prolonged silence, he reluctantly accepted the conclusion that Freya's resolve was unlikely to waver.
As he turned to leave, he was suddenly arrested by the hoarse sound of Freya's voice. Whirling back around, he locked eyes with her, his heart racing.
"Can you truly save me?" Her voice was rough, laced with skepticism. "Or is this just another act, part of some twisted game between you and your father?"
Gabriel's heart sank at her words. Despite his genuine intentions, Freya's experiences had left her with an unshakable distrust of anyone associated with the horrors she had endured.
He leaned closer, studying Freya's face, which still refused to meet his gaze. "What did you say?"
