Darkness lingered in Dahlia’s eyes for a moment longer before it slowly faded.
When she spoke again, the steel was gone, replaced by the quiet warmth only a mother could carry.
Her expression softened, and her thumb brushed once over his sleeve before she let him go.
“You’ve always been relentless, Damien,” she said softly. “Even as a boy, when one way failed, you never saw it as the end—only a reason to find another.”
She met his eyes, quiet certainty in her gaze. “We’re confident that you’ll do whatever it takes to get through this.”
Damien gave a small nod, his voice low and steady. “I know. I just can’t afford to be reckless where she’s concerned.”
He exhaled, meeting his mother’s eyes again, a tired brow raised. “What about you, Mom? What are you doing up so early?”
A quiet lau
