CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR: WOUNDS AND PROMISES
The van bounced hard over the mountain road, every jolt pulling a groan from Dimitri. Lyra kept pressure on the wound in his side, her hands slick with blood. June and Theo huddled against her, small bodies trembling.
“Stay awake,” Lyra said, voice shaking. “You hear me? You don’t get to pass out on us now.”
Dimitri’s head lolled against the seat, but his eyes fluttered open. A weak smile tugged at his mouth. “Bossy as always. Kids… okay?”
“They’re here,” she answered. “Scared, but okay. Thanks to you.”
Theo leaned forward. “You got shot because of us?”
“Worth it,” Dimitri muttered. “Family now. All of you.”
June sniffled. “I want to go home. The real home. With pancakes.”
Lyra’s heart twisted. “Soon, baby. I promise. First we fix Dimitri up
