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Seeing that never gets easier.

It makes something inside me ache so fiercely that I want to tear open the earth with my bare hands and give their son back to them.

Back where he belongs.

Just as I once clawed at twisted steel with those bare hands, trying to pull him from the wreckage that became his grave.

By the time I leave the cemetery, my soul feels cloaked in darkness, and my thoughts are as tangled as ever. I hate this place.

Yet it’s also the only place where I can still feel close to him.

The drive back to the hotel passes in a haze. Buildings, traffic, people… everything blends together without truly registering. I shouldn’t be behind the wheel like this. Responsibility is supposed to be my second nature.

Today, though, I’m barely functioning.

After parking, I remain outside the elevator for a moment, forcing myself to draw one slow breath before stepping inside and pressing the button for our suite’s floor.

Our flight to London leaves in three hours.

I asked Beatrix to let Selene know when we’re leaving. I assume she’s ready.

The suite is silent when I walk in.

Maybe she already left.

Whatever.

I’m not in the right headspace to deal with any of this.

Not today.

I push open the bedroom door, and my steps come to an abrupt halt.

Thalia is sitting on my bed.

The moment she rises from the headboard, my phone vibrates in my hand.

Ethan: She knows. She saw the news and found out why you go to the races too.

Slowly, I lift my eyes to hers.

She doesn’t say a word.

Instead, she crosses the room, closing the distance between us in a few quiet steps, wrapping her arms around me.

For the briefest moment, my body refuses to respond, as if it’s forgotten what comfort feels like.

Then the walls I’ve been holding up all day crack. My arms slide around her, pulling her closer.

“I’m here, Zayn,” she whispers. “I’m here for whatever you need.”

The words settle somewhere deep inside me, reaching a place I haven’t allowed anyone near in years.

Before I can answer, the bedroom door slams open with so much force it rattles the walls.

Both Thalia and I jerk at the sound.

Selene stands in the doorway, utterly motionless. Her eyes lock onto us. Then they flick to Thalia’s arms around me.