The next morning, the villa was quiet and still. Elias sat propped up on the couch, a blanket over his legs and a warm cup of tea cradled in his hands. His injuries still ached, but he felt stronger than he had in days. 

Part of that was thanks to Maya—her quiet care, her steady presence—but part of it came from something else entirely. A nagging thought that had rooted itself in his mind after Daniel’s unexpected visit.

Maya entered the room quietly, holding a tray with some toast and cut fruit.

“You didn’t have to get up so early,” she said with a small smile as she set the...