Aria's POV
My brother Joshua's birthday fell on a visitation day—the one day I could see our dad.
I let myself believe it was the Moon Goddess making up for something. A small, quiet gift, just for me.
Processing dragged on longer than usual—some new guard didn't know the pre-approved list. I stood there, answered the same questions twice, and didn't let anything show on my face.
Dad was already in the room when the guard brought us back.
He'd aged since the last time I saw him three months ago—grayer, more worn. He opened his arms, and I stepped into them. The hug was familiar, solid like always, but something about it felt different.
"You look terrible," Joshua said.
"Happy birthday to you, my son," Dad smiled.
We ate the cake. Joshua complained that the slice I gave him was smal
