Allison's POV
I slipped into bed beside Lily after my shower, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.
"I'm sorry, sweetheart," I whispered, my voice barely more than a breath.
My chest tightened as I looked at her—so small, so unguarded, wrapped in the comfort of sleep while the world outside sharpened its claws.
She was just a child, yet constantly caught in the fallout of battles she never signed up for.
What kind of mother lets her daughter get caught in the crossfire of someone else's vendetta?
My phone lit up on the nightstand, buzzing with insistence.
Unknown number. But I knew the rhythm of Lucian's persistence by now—new number, same man.
I hit block without hesitation, powered off the phone, and pulled Lily closer.
Her steady breathing anchored me, quiet
