Lila
I walked back from the river numb, my hands still stinging from gripping the riverbank when I’d told Damon the lie.
They’re Kael’s. The words tasted bitter in my mouth, even though Kael was the only father they knew.
By the time I reached the apothecary, my heartbeat had steadied into something dull and mechanical. The twins were at Kael’s house, safe. That was all that mattered.
I lit a single lamp on the counter, its glow soft and unsteady like my stomach. I didn’t expect Damon would follow me, but I knew it was him when the bell above the door rang.
“Lila.” His voice, low but hoarse, struck true in my heart. “We’re not finished.”
I kept my back towards him and stared at the flame flickering in the lamp instead, trying to compose myself. “You shouldn’t be here.”
He stepped
