"A Desecrated Sanctuary"

James pushed open the door to the room where Amalia was being kept, and his heart sank at the sight before him. She was huddled on the floor, wrapped in a blanket, her body shaking with sobs. Her eyes were red and puffy, and her skin was pale and clammy. She flinched at every creak of the floor, every rustle of the air, and James's gut twisted with a mix of anger and disgust. He knew, without a doubt, what Cassius had done to her. The thought made him sick, and he felt a wave of nausea wash over him. He approached her slowly, not wanting to startle her, and knelt down beside her. "Amalia," he whispered, his voice soft and gentle. "It's okay. I'm here. You're safe now." She looked up at him, her eyes filled with tears, and James's heart broke. He could see the trauma etched on her face, the fear and the pain. He gently pulled the blanket around her, holding it in place as he scooped her up into his arms. "I'm taking you to my room," he whispered, his voice firm and resolute. "You're not going to be hurt again. I promise." Amalia didn't resist as he carried her out of the room, her body limp and fragile in his arms. James felt a surge of protectiveness, a desire to shield her from the world and keep her safe. He took her to his room, a place he had always considered a sanctuary, and laid her down on his bed. He pulled the blankets around her, holding her close as he kissed her forehead. "You're safe now," he whispered, his voice a gentle soothing balm to her frazzled nerves. "You're safe with me." Amalia's body shook with sobs, and James held her close, his own eyes welling up with tears. He felt a deep sense of disgust and anger, a desire to hurt Cassius for what he had done to her. But for now, he just held her, whispering soft words of comfort into her ear. As she cried, James felt a sense of purpose wash over him. He was going to protect her, no matter what. He was going to keep her safe, and he was going to make sure that Cassius paid for what he had done. The thought gave him a sense of resolve, a determination to do whatever it took to keep Amalia safe. As the night wore on, Amalia's sobs slowly subsided, and she fell into a fitful sleep. James held her close, his arms wrapped tightly around her, and his eyes scanning the room for any sign of danger. He knew that he had to be vigilant, that Cassius could come for her again at any moment. But for now, he just held her, his heart filled with a deep sense of love and protectiveness.