Leander was released from the hospital the next morning with strict instructions: no unsupervised movement, no skipping therapy sessions, and absolutely no heroic attempts at independence.

"I'll make sure he follows doctor's orders," Fiammetta assured the physician, giving Leander a stern look that made him shrink in his wheelchair like a chastised child.

Liora stayed quiet. She was exhausted from a night in an uncomfortable hospital chair, her back ached, and her morning sickness was threatening a return. Plus, she had Dashiell's summons hanging over her head like a sword.

"You look terrible, dear," Fiammetta observed as they waited for the car. "Why don't you go home and rest? I'll...