Chapter 19

• As Andrew contemplated his responsibilities, the objective became glaringly apparent: he was meant to protect. He resolved that this would be his sole focus until the individuals disturbing him finally decided to cease their antics.
• Sitting cross-legged, he rested his hands on his knee for support and took another moment to study Emerald's serene visage. Her beauty was strikingly memorable, and as he made a conscious effort to keep his gaze away from her lips, he found himself wondering how enchanting she would appear when smiling—a thought that delighted his mind.
• Suddenly, like a stream of water encountering an unexpected obstacle, his thoughts shifted, prompting a plethora of questions only the sleeping girl could reveal, assuming she didn't wake up and try to stab him with a needle first.