Max met his eyes but didn’t respond right away. He let out a long breath, the fatigue clear on his face.

Yes, he could force her.

He had the power. But right now, Max didn’t want to exert control–he wanted peace.

A break.

A way out of the pressure.

Maybe even time away with Diana.

Francisco noticed Max’s hand and narrowed his eyes.

"Looks like you hurt your hand again."

Caught off guard, Max glanced down.

"Yeah... I did," he said, his voice heavy.

Francisco exhaled, ...