–Livana–
The household stirred awake, as though my presence had ignited a flame in the dark. They rushed toward Damon and me, voices overlapping, questions spilling—Jane and Logan, they asked. I told them calmly that the two were upstairs in the main house, though my heart had already decided: tonight, I would remain here, among them. My mother-in-law, ever thoughtful, had prepared food, and I welcomed it gratefully. Hunger gnawed at me, and I ate alongside Laura and Deanne.
As for Caine—I hadn't thought he followed us here. Yet the door opened, and he entered, fresh from the bath, his presence carrying a quiet strength. He went first to his wife, kissing her lips, holding her tightly. Deanne embraced him back, and I marveled at the sight. I had never expected her to be a wife, a mother. After all her scars, her hatred of men, I thought she would remain untouchable. But Caine—Caine had broken through, and together they looked whole, perfect, happy.
