The rain drizzled lightly outside the hospital, its rhythm soft against the windows as Damien stood by Amara's bedside for the last time before she was discharged. She had spent several days in recovery, and although she looked physically better, the weariness in her eyes told a different story. Damien felt the same—running on little sleep, constant tension, and gnawing anxiety about his missing daughter.
There had been no solid leads on Sera in the past days. Every piece of information led to a dead end or to a trail of people paid to stay silent. Still, Damien couldn’t stop. He wouldn’t. His daughter was still out there.
Amara had managed to gather her strength. Though still emotionally shaken, she stood at the hospital entrance, carrying a modest duffel bag. She refused Damien’s offer
