Mark’s question hung in the air. “What does that mean? Are you giving up on Ellie?”
Damian didn’t answer right away. He stared at the empty doorway where Lyra disappeared. His hand was still half-open, then slowly curled into a fist.
Cole shook his head. He couldn't believe what happened. Henry ran a hand through his hair and looked away.
Damian finally spoke, his voice low and wrecked. “No, Mark. I’m not giving up on her.” He exhaled, shoulders dropping. “But if she doesn’t want to tell us where Ellie is… then I’ll give her time. Let me first fix this.”
He shoved the phone in his pocket. “Let’s go.”
The four of them walked out. Their footsteps echoed. No one said another word in the hospital.
The nurses watched them leave. One whispered, “That didn’t go how I expected,” and pressed
