Dominic’s response was a low hum—part relief, part pride—but then his gaze shifted, drawn past her shoulder.
It landed on Damien first, and then… on Maya.
For a heartbeat, the air seemed to still. His brows lifted slightly, the faintest flicker of surprise crossing his face before recognition sank in—an almost imperceptible softening around his eyes, the kind that spoke of memory more than thought.
He studied her, his gaze tracing the curve of her face, the quiet composure she tried to hold, and something in his expression faltered—like a ghost from the past had just stepped into the light.
Damien’s hand found the small of Maya’s back, his touch both reassuring and grounding as he guided her forward. The weight of the moment pressed gently between them as they approached the steps.
“D
