Rowan smiled. It was a full, genuine smile. The massive, crushing weight that he had been carrying on his broad shoulders for days suddenly lifted. He felt lighter. He felt as though he could finally breathe pure air again.
He had spent sleepless nights pacing in his study, agonizing over how he was going to save his family from ruin. He had thought he was entirely alone in the dark. But he was not alone. His family was right here, and they were already fighting back.
"It seemed I was worried for nothing," Rowan said softly, looking around the room at the people he loved most in the world.
Ines stood up from the sofa. She placed her signed book carefully onto the tea table. She walked over to her brother and wrapped her arms warmly around his waist, hugging him tightly.
She replied, looking up at him with fierce, sisterly devotion.
