"Baked pears. He specially ordered them in the middle of the night," Victor explained, placing the still-warm bag of pears beside me. "He said your throat sounded hoarse, so he got this to help."

The warmth seeped into my palms as I stared down at the bag and tea. It was such a thoughtful gesture—one that left me more confused than comforted.

Victor had already started the car.

"Ms. Hart, should I take you to Emberholm?" he asked, referring to ...