Camilla’s tears hadn’t fully stopped by the time her strength gave out, but her body was too exhausted to keep crying. Donatello lifted her into his arms without a word, holding her close against his chest as he walked her up the stairs.

Her fingers were still tightly curled into his shirt, even in half-sleep, as if her body didn’t want to let go of him.

When they reached her room, he laid her gently on the bed. She didn’t wake. Her breathing was uneven at first, then slowly steadied. ...