Chapter 96

(Freya’s POV)

"Are they asleep?" Ash asked as soon as I returned to the room. His voice, though low, carried that familiar hint of playfulness. He lay in bed, his left arm still in a sling, his eyes following my every move as I quietly shut the door behind me.

I nodded, walking toward him. “Yes, finally. Hazel wouldn’t stop talking about your promise,” I said, sitting down on the edge of the bed beside him. “What exactly did you promise them, Ash? They were glowing with excitement.”

A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he raised an eyebrow. “I told them I’d take them to the playground once I’m better. That’s all.” He shrugged, as if it were the simplest thing in the world.

I sighed, shaking my head. “You’re spoiling them.”

Ash’s smile softened, and he reached out with his good hand, gently brushing a strand of hair from my face. His touch was tender, almost hesitant. “I’m not spoiling them, Freya. I’m their father. And I want to do the things I couldn’t before... the things I