That realization sat like poison inside his chest. The worst part? He had never even noticed when it happened.
Marcus shifted weakly against the restraints in his drugged sleep, a low groan escaping him before stillness returned again.
Gabriel looked toward his son quietly, then lowered his gaze. Because even now, even after everything, part of him still wanted Daniella to come through the door and save them somehow. And perhaps that alone proved how deeply they had failed her already.
-----
Morning sunlight filtered softly through the enormous floor-to-ceiling curtains, washing the bedroom in muted gold and pale gray light.
Daniella yawned heavily as she stretched her arms instinctively above her head, her body still half buried in sleep. Then a slight sting pulled sharply through her lower abdomen.
