Chapter 56

• The sun had streamed through the blinds, casting soft shadows on the floor. Leo sat at the kitchen table, his coffee half-empty and cold. His mind was elsewhere, tangled up with images of Liana and the fragile bond they were creating. He had spent the whole night awake, his sleep haunted by visions of her small face, streaked with tears and a fear he had created.
• Amara entered the kitchen, her hair dripping wet because she had showered. She looked at Leo, her expression cold. "Good morning," she said, her voice cold.
• Leo got up, his thoughts immediately centered on the moment. "Morning," he replied, his voice just as somber.