She looked at him, longing to believe that he would save her from fire if it came for her. She knew Matthias had changed his mind on some things, but it was hard to forget the feel of his hands around her throat and the determination in his eyes to see her life ended.

She moved closer, her eyes full of apologies and sorrow and fear. Part of her expected that Geralt would flinch away from her; she couldn't blame him if he did.

At least she wasn't shaking like the last leaf in autumn anymore.