Daphne POV

A mother’s fear is stronger than logic.

There’s something primal that happens when you know your child is in danger, logic dies, and instinct takes the wheel.

That’s what I felt as I packed a small bag, ignoring Xavier’s voice echoing in my head: “Don’t move alone, Daphne. Wait for me.”

I couldn’t wait, I wouldn’t.

The police had been useless protocol, paperwork, waiting for warrants. Waiting, Always waiting.

And Christian didn’t have that kind of time.

I stood in ...