IVA
Father looked up and gave a small nod. “I’m glad you’re here,” he said gently. “I wanted to speak to you about what happened today-”
“I heard everything,” I said before he could go on. I hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but I did, and my heart shattered at my father’s words. “I feel horrible. I never should have asked Eryx. I didn’t know… but that doesn’t excuse it. It was selfish.”
Lev’s arm slipped around me as I moved closer, and I sank beside him. “I will never ask that of him again,” I added. “I know better now.”
“Don’t punish yourself,” my father said. “You didn’t know. And now you do. That’s what matters. Things will be different going forward.” I nodded, wiping at my eyes, and he stood, his expression softening into a tired but affectionate smile. “I’m going to check on the othe
