Chapter 29
Damien’s POV
Elena’s voice still sat quietly between us.
I’m here.
I kept my eyes on the bed. My mother watched me, waiting. I did not move.
Whatever she was looking for in my face, she would not find softness. The years between us had been cold for a reason. I had no interest in rewriting them just because she was lying in a hospital bed.
Victor’s footsteps stopped just outside the doorway. His voice came low and firm.
“The doctors want to speak with the family. They’ll be here shortly.”
I nodded once without turning. Elena remained at my side. I could feel her there even without looking. After everything that had already happened tonight, her presence was harder to ignore than I wanted to admit.
My mother shifted against the pillows. The movement was small.
“You came
