The kitchen was quiet except for the low hum of the dishwasher and the occasional clink of dishes as Stefan rinsed the last plate. He leaned against the counter, sleeves rolled up, a dishtowel slung over his shoulder, and watched Alana finish stuffing the rest of the food into the refrigerator.

The scent of soap and warm garlic still lingered in the air from dinner — roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and Juliana’s half-eaten food now abandoned in her chair.

Juliana was asleep, and it was ...