Richard

“Come inside, both of you,” I said, pushing those thoughts aside for later. “We have so much to discuss.”

“Yes, Dad.”

I walked them both inside, but before we entered, I turned to Celeste and really looked at her. “How are you, my dear?”

She smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’m fine, Dad.”

I pulled her into a hug, and despite her attempt to maintain composure, I could feel the tension in her shoulders and the way she held herself too carefully. No matter how hard she tried to hide her worry, I could see it clearly.

Jace was right—Celeste was nothing like her mother.

I’d...