LOGINNovaThe bedroom lamp cast long shadows across the walls, turning everything soft and golden. Luca was finally asleep in the basket crib, tiny chest rising and falling like he didn’t know the world was trying to swallow us whole. The party noise downstairs had dulled to a distant hum, laughter, musi
Silence stretched. Luca yawned against my shoulder, oblivious.Winter glanced at the bathroom door. “She’s still crying in there.”“She’s scared.” I shifted Luca to my other arm. “She thinks you’re gonna turn her in.”“I’m not.” Winter rubbed her face. “But I’m also not thrilled about lying to Mom a
Asher's POV The door clicked shut behind Winter, but the sound might as well have been a gunshot.Nova’s whimper from the bathroom sliced straight through me, soft, terrified, like she was trying to swallow the noise but couldn’t quite manage it. Luca picked up on her fear instantly and started fus
“You should eat,” I said after a while. “Even a little. Breakfast. Mom made some.”He shook his head. “I can’t.”“Tyron,” I said firmly. “You need it. Your body, your mind, they can’t function if you don’t.”He exhaled slowly, eyes flicking to mine. “You’re bossy today.”“Someone has to be,” I repli
Winter's POVBefore the PartyThe morning light filtered through the half-open blinds, painting the room in pale gold. I was awake before it hit me fully, the soreness in my body reminding me I wasn’t just imagining yesterday’s chaos. My side ached where Tyron had held me, where the bandages beneath
She stared at the food. “You brought… all that?”“Figured you were starving. Pasta’s cold, but it’s good. Cake’s the best part, leche flan. Mom’s recipe. And wine.” I pulled the bottle out. “Thought you might want a glass.”Her eyes softened. “You didn’t have to.”“Yeah, I did.” I grabbed two plasti







