The room had fallen into a rare, peaceful silence. Lily was finally asleep, her small breaths steady and even, the soft beeping of the machines a quiet lull in the background.

Ava turned to Damien, her voice low. “Come out. Let’s talk.”

Damien didn’t move at first. He stood with his arms crossed near the window, staring out with his usual impassive expression, but something in his jaw ticked. After a beat, he turned and followed her out of the room without a word.

Once they were in the corridor, Ava folded her arms across her chest. Her eyes searched his face, but it remained unreadable.

Ava stood silently by...