Elias Pov

I stopped at Richard’s door first, pushing it open just an inch. He was fast asleep, his breathing rhythmic and deep. The tension that had lived in his jaw for weeks had finally smoothed out. I closed the door softly and moved to the next room.

Through the half-open door, I saw Andrea sitting on the edge of her bed. Camille was beside her, her hand resting on Andrea’s shoulder. I could hear Camille’s voice, low and thick with emotion.

"I am so sorry, Andrea," Camille whispered. "I was so blinded by my own fear that I didn't believe you. I let you stand alone when you needed...