Natalia’s POV
I grabbed Jane’s hand and we made our way upstairs to the boys’ room. Max had been sleeping on and off all day, which had me worried despite Karl’s reassurances that it was normal for his recovery after the harrowing experience in the Thornwood.
The door was cracked open, and I could see lamplight spilling out into the hallway. “Max?” I called out, pushing the door open the rest of the way. I let out a breath of relief upon seeing that he was sitting up and playing with one of his stuffed animals.
“Mommy!” He set aside his toy and grinned.
“Hey, sweetheart.” I sat down on the edge of the bed and pressed my hand to his forehead. Cool to the touch—not a hint of a fever or any other symptoms other than lethargy. “How are you feeling?”
“Better. Mr. Karl says I’m almost all
