Sophia watched her, heartbroken at how she couldn't accept reality. Unable to contain her own grief, she pushed Eliana aside and stood away.

Alexander quickly took his sister's hand and pulled her into his arms. "Eli, I'm so sorry. I failed you. I couldn't bring Samuel and little Hopey back safely. I'm so sorry."

"Don't apologize to me. It's not your fault. I just want to see my Hopey and Samuel. They must be okay."

In a daze, she weakly pushed against ...