ALIANA

I hate hospitals. They always carry the weight of loss but I've just got news that my parents are here.

King’s hand is wrapped tightly in mine, his fingers warm, small and real. Luca walks on my other side, one step behind, like he’s giving me space while still guarding every breath I take.

My parents’ room is at the end of the corridor.

I stop before the door.

My chest tightens.

“They’re okay,” Luca says quietly, reading my hesitation like he always does. “Scratches. Bruises. Nothing serious.”

“They lied,” I whisper. “Whoever did this wants me in the open.”

“Yes,” he agrees. No sugarcoating. “But they failed.”

King...