Ares’s POV

The sound of rain was softer than usual today — faint drizzles tapping the windows of Dr. Levin’s office. It used to irritate me, the constant hum of nature while I sat trapped in these sessions. But today, I listened. Really listened.

Dr. Levin’s voice was calm as always. “You’ve been improving, Mr. Sterling. Your pulse rate is stable, and you’re finally sleeping through the night. That’s progress.”

Progress. The word felt foreign in my mouth.

He leaned ...