**Denver General Hospital – 11:42 p.m.**
Arthur Morgan lay comatose in the ICU penthouse suite, hooked to machines that hissed and beeped in rhythms Sophie couldn't stop listening to.
Outside, the media still camped out—though quieter now. The press had its narrative.
Inside, Sophie stood guard.
Biometric locks secured every door. Two reformed Morgan operatives patrolled the hallway. No one entered unless Sophie Lane said so.
She sat beside Arthur, a children's fairy-tale book in hand.
Leah leaned on the opposite side, clutching a plush dragon.
“Should I keep reading?" Sophie asked softly.
Leah nodded. “He's listening."
Sophie turned a page.
“'And when the dragon saw the knight weep for the village, he said, “I'll protect them. Not eat them. For once, I want to do good.'"
She gl
