–Livana–
I nudged my husband when the sound came again—soft knocking layered with familiar scratching, like small claws tracing impatience against wood. Before either of us could speak, a tiny voice broke through the door.
"Mama!"
Sky's cry sliced clean through the quiet, sharp with betrayal and sleep-heavy emotion. Damon moved at once, instinct honed by fatherhood and war alike. He slipped into his pajamas while I smoothed myself into a dress, silk whispering against my skin. The door opened, and Sky burst in like a storm—tear-soaked cheeks, hair sticking up in rebellion—Choco darting after him as if on escort duty.
Sky pointed a trembling finger straight at his father, lower lip jutting.
"Baddie!"
I bit my lip to keep from laughing. Even fury looked sweet on him.
