Two days before Keira was due to fly home to the US with Alexei, she accompanied Amelia through the wrought-iron gates of Wystovia Children's Hospital. After the drama with Maria and her eviction, the press had noticeably shifted their tone. Without Maria's poisonous "inside sources," the narrative was still brutal, just as Alexei had predicted. It was harsh but not the targeted attacks like before.

"How are you feeling about today?" Amelia asked, her voice gentle as they walked up the stone ...