Tears stung the back of Genesis’s eyes as she struggled to untie the hard knots around Carmella’s legs. When they threatened to fall, she wiped them away with her forearm—but that only made them spill faster, streaking silently down her face. Her hands shook as she worked the ties, but it was no use.

The knots wouldn’t budge.

Frustration burned in her chest. She clenched her teeth, stood up abruptly, and wiped at her face again. Carmella noticed the tears this time. Her smirk vanished, replaced by a flicker of confusion.

Why was she crying?

Genesis turned around, and Kieran instinctively stepped toward her—but she recoiled so sharply, she nearly...