Early the next morning, Roman didn't even let Evelyn tell Lena they were leaving. Everything happened too fast. They boarded the Aurelion jet before the sun was fully up and touched down in Trevinia before noon. James was already waiting at the private terminal, the car warm and ready. On the drive home, Roman's mind drifted.

He couldn't stop replaying the doctor's words. Over and over again. He glanced at Evelyn, and she was curled against the window, her breathing slow. Her head tilted awkwardly. "Sleep," he said quietly, guiding her head onto his thigh.

Evelyn didn't argue. Her eyes stayed closed, and within seconds, her breathing evened out.

—...