Really slept.
Not monitored.
Not controlled.
Just… slept.
That alone should tell me everything.
Instead—
I focus on the other thing.
Sentinel.
The way he watches.
The way he learns.
The way he doesn’t push where resistance is strong—
He adjusts where it’s not.
My chest tightens slightly.
Not fear.
Recognition.
Logan.
The thought comes too fast.
Too sharp.
I swing my legs over the side of the bed and stand, testing my balance. It’s better today. Not perfect—but enough.
Enough to move.
Enough to think clearly.
Enough to make decisions.
I cross the room quietly, picking up the folded clothes the nurse left and changing without turning on the light.
No sudden movement.
No unnecessary sound.
Control.
Always control.
There’s a soft knock at the door.
I freeze for half a second.
Then—
