SERAPHINA’S POV
Ava stepped out from behind Alois, small fingers curling into the fabric of his coat as if she needed the contact to stay anchored.
She looked thinner than I remembered, the softness of childhood sharpened into something more fragile and watchful.
She gave a tiny wave. “Hi.”
“You’re…” My voice faltered. I swallowed, stepping forward slowly, as if sudden movement might frighten her away. “You’re okay.”
Ava gave a small nod. “I’m okay.”
But something in her tone told me that wasn’t entirely true.
I crouched in front of her. “Can I hug you?”
She hesitated for a second.
Then she threw her arms around my neck. I pulled her close, one hand cradling the back of her head as if I could shield her from everything she’d endured.
“I was so worried when I heard about the fire,” I murmured.
“I’m fine,” she whispered, her grip tightening.
When Ava pulled back, I kept my hands on her shoulders, searching her face. “What about your grandmother?”
