RAINE
For the first time, I saw a real flicker of hope in their eyes. Not the fire of revenge, not the caution taught by a world that judges too fast... but light. Curiosity. Trust.
I nodded. “We can learn together. I’m still learning too. I’ll share everything I know.”
The small hand still holding mine tightened just a little, like she was trying to make sure this wasn’t just a dream. Her eyes welled up, but she quickly wiped them with the back of her thin hand.
Asher, who had been silently standing nearby, stepped forward and crouched so he was level with them.
“I don’t know how to do eyebrows yet,” he said, completely serious as always. “But if you want to learn how to dodge punches and land them back, I’m your guy.”
One of the girls giggled. A soft, nervous laugh, quickly followe
