Author's POV
Tonight had been a dream, a strange and beautiful one that lingered in the hazy corners of Lily's mind as morning light filtered through the hospital blinds. She blinked awake, finding herself tucked safely in her bed, not in the arms that had held her through the darkness.
”Mommy?” Lily's small voice carried across the room where Allison was organizing medications. ”Did Uncle Lucian come last night?”
Allison's movements stilled. Her face became a carefully composed mask, betraying nothing of the storm beneath. Jasmine paced restlessly within her.
”No, sweetheart. Why would he? He's busy with his business and his...” Allison paused, unwilling to mention Heidi's name in front of her daughter. ”He won't be coming to the hospital.”
Lily's brow furrowed in confusion. ”But he
