He had offered water and waited until she reached for it herself.
He had asked her name, then accepted silence when she could not answer.
He had told her that she could leave when she was ready.
Now the man who had helped bring her into captivity was standing outside the cabin, claiming that Calder had stolen her.
The lie was so complete that it almost made her laugh.
Instead, she stepped closer to the table.
“Let me speak to him,” she said.
Calder turned sharply. “Are you sure?”
“No.” She swallowed. “But I want him to hear me.”
He studied her face, searching for signs of panic that might make the choice unsafe. When he saw her trembling but determined, he nodded.
“You can speak from here. Don't approach the door.”
Naya drew in a breath.
“Harlan!”
The man outside fell silent.
“This is Naya,” she said, her voice wavering at first. She pressed one hand against the edge of the table. “I know who you are. I know what you did.”
A low murmur came from the porch.
“Naya,” Harlan called, suddenly adopting a softer tone. “Thank goodness. We've been searching everywhere for you.”
Her stomach twisted at the familiar sound of false concern.
“You told them to take me.”
“We were trying to protect you.”
“You tied my hands.”
“You were frightened. We had to make sure you didn't run into the mountains.”
“You lied about my family.”
Harlan's voice hardened. “You don't understand the arrangement. Come outside, and we'll explain everything.”
“No.”
Calder remained motionless beside the table, allowing her to speak without interruption.
Harlan sighed theatrically. “You see what this man has done? He's filled your head with nonsense. He's keeping you from the people who can help you.”
Naya looked at Calder.
He did not nod or shake his head. He simply stood beside her, giving her the room to answer in her own words.
“I was afraid before I met him,” she said. “I am not afraid of him.”
A gust of wind struck the cabin, rattling the shutters.
Harlan's reply came quickly. “Then why won't he let you come out?”
“Because you are outside with men who took me once already.”
There was a brief, stunned silence.