Kane's POV
When Aurora said "I love you," the words hit me like ice water. They instantly transported me back to the worst day of my life. Suddenly, I was eight years old again, watching my parents prepare for what would be their final mission.
The memory crashed over me with vivid clarity. My mother's gentle hands smoothing down my unruly hair. My father's warm laugh as he promised to bring me back a present from their diplomatic trip. The way they'd both knelt down to my eye level, their faces serious but loving.
"We love you, Kane. We'll be back soon," my mother had said. She'd kissed my forehead with soft lips; her hair smelled like wildflowers. My father had ruffled my hair with his big, gentle hands, the same hands that could shift a mountain or comfort a crying child.
They never
