Bella's POV
I lingered inside the house until Zack finally stirred awake. When I pressed him about his earlier episode, he stared at me with vacant eyes, claiming no memory of his breakdown. Something cold settled in my stomach, but I didn't push further.
"Mommy, how come Zack and Leah aren't coming with us?"
Tara's small fingers wrapped around mine as we headed toward the treeline. Her innocent question made my chest tighten with guilt.
Parker maintained his position close to our side, having dismissed the warriors with a curt gesture. I was leading us back to the exact spot where I'd discovered Leah yesterday. The compulsion to return there gnawed at me, though I couldn't explain why.
The massive oak tree cast its familiar shadow as I dropped to my knees before my daughter, gripping her tiny shoulders.
