She looked up at him—into steady eyes that held certainty, strategy, and a fierce promise all at once.
Monroe bowed again. “I’ll be outside if needed.”
As he exited, the fire crackled louder, as if trying to fill the silence he left behind.
Finally, Damien took a seat beside Maya—close. Deliberately close.
His voice softened. “Nothing to worry about, okay?”
Maya nodded, offering him a small, grateful smile.
The fire burned low, shadows stretching across the room, when Eleanor gently stood.
Eleanor clapped her hands lightly. “Enough worry for one evening. It’s time for all of us to have a goodnight sleep. Let’s get you all settled.”
Jaime yawned—massive and unhideable—making Eleanor smile.
“Come, sweetheart,” she said, rising. “Your room is ready.”
Charles rubbed his hands togethe
