Sezel froze, his mind a battlefield of distant thoughts and immediate warning. The world in front of him seemed too real to be true, but it was right there. He could feel the warmth of the sun on his skin. He could feel the cool breeze that made the tall, untouched grasses whisper secrets to one another. Every sense confirmed this place was real, and that was the most terrifying thing about it.
If nothing else, by now he was sure of one thing. "In this place," he spoke aloud, the words a low, grim pronouncement, "safety is an illusion."
The girl looked up at him, her icy blue eyes wide with a question she didn't know how to ask. Sezel turned to meet her gaze, he crouched down to her level. "Don't worry," he said, his voice softer. "You will be safe as long as you are with me. I promise."
She clutched his hand tight, "Thank you, mister." Her voice was soft, filled with innocence. Sezel offered a reassuring, tired smile and straightened, turning his head toward the overgrown ruins.
