The emergency room smelled faintly of disinfectant and panic, the fluorescent lights glaring down on everyone inside.
Lia’s heart pounded so violently she thought it might burst.
She clutched Leo’s small hand as he lay on the stretcher, pale and trembling. His little body shivering under the thin hospital blanket.
“Stay calm, sweetie,” she whispered, brushing back his hair. Her voice shook. She had to be strong — for him.
Behind her, Damien’s presence filled the room like a shadow that refused to be ignored. He didn’t speak. He didn’t move. He simply stood there, his tall frame rigid, eyes locked on Leo.
It was the first time he had been this close to him — and the first time he had seen him alive.
The boy stirred slightly, coughing softly. Damien flinched as though the sound had str
