As Linsy delivered her calm, forensic ultimatum, a transformation came over Elara Vance. The brief flicker of panic vanished, submerged beneath a wave of expertly summoned trauma. Her breath hitched, becoming the shallow, rapid pant of a cornered animal. Large, perfect tears welled in her eyes, spilling over to trace paths through the pallor of her cheeks. She shrunk back into the sterile hospital pillows, her hand fluttering to her throat as if to ward off a phantom blow.

"Mom... Daddy," she ...