Alina

The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, soft and warm, as if it was trying to erase the memories of the past nights.

I sat on the couch, Hope nestled in my arms, her tiny fingers curling around mine. She was asleep, finally peaceful. The weight of fear that had hung over us for months felt… lighter.

Ares entered quietly, removing his jacket and loosening his tie. His face was still tired, shadows under his eyes, but the tension in his shoulders had eased just a ...