Chapter 246: Empty Spaces

RILEY

"I don't know how to be his brother," I admitted, the words coming out quieter than I'd intended. "I don't know how to be anyone's son. Sophia trained me to survive, to make her happy, to fulfill her dreams of being Xenois mate and I failed her, because I got a change of heart, and Andy... Andy showed me things that made me question everything I thought I understood about loyalty and love. I'm not sure there's enough left of me to build relationships on."

Dr. Sloane's expression shifted from professional concern to something more personal, more genuine.

"You're five years old, Riley. You've survived...