LOGINASHER I’m coming from my office, already running a few minutes late, heading to get my wife before we leave for the ball. I don’t want us to arrive late... not tonight. But the moment I step into the foyer, I stop. My posture straightens instantly as my eyes lift and follow the length of the stai
ARIELLA Today was the day. Leon and his dad had gone on their usual run and now they had upgraded it to something more intense. And I had to admit… Leon was changing. He looked sharper these days, Stronger and Taller. There was something about him now that made him seem older than he really was.
ARIELLA I frowned and His voice softened. “It's kids' stuff and Leon will forget about it in a few days.” "Okay but...." I tried to get out. But then he kissed me. Hard. And for a moment… I let myself forget too. I kissed him back. He kisses me like he’s been starving and I’m the only thing th
ARIELLA Leon leaned closer, practically climbing onto him. “What is it, Daddy? Can I see it?” Asher finally blinked, like he was pulling himself back from somewhere far away. Slowly, carefully, he turned the object in his hand so the faint light could fall over it. It was small. A little wooden
ARIELLA Later that evening, Asher came back earlier than usual, about half an hour before dinner. The moment Leon saw him, he ran straight into his arms. “Daddy! Let’s go! You have to show me the secrets of the stump!” Asher blinked. “I told you to ask Sia. I don’t know any secrets.” “But Sia
ARIELLA My eyes instinctively moved around the table, searching. “Where is Maria?” The question slipped out more naturally than I expected. Not sharp, not loud. Just… there. Maria should have been at the table with Leon. She wasn't but Sia was, why? Sia’s smile didn’t falter, but it softened ju
ASHER They all looked at me, a little surprised. “We don’t go in through the main boarding entrance anymore.” Luca leaned forward slightly. “Side entrance?” I tapped my finger toward the screen once, thinking it over. “Yes.” I decided “The left or the right?” “The left. You know I can never t
ARIELLA Asher didn't move at first. He just breathed, a long, shaky exhale that vibrated against my skin. His hands were wrapped around my thighs, his grip firm but not demanding. It was the grip of a man holding onto a life raft. "I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice muffled by the duvet. "I didn'
ARIELLA I hear the sound of drilling from the hallway, metal creaking, and low voices murmuring between themselves. The house feels different today. Like, not just the people, but the house itself is bracing for something. Maria gently nudges the plate toward me. “You should eat. Ariella, you loo
ASHER God was on my side. Yes, I believe in God, in case you were wondering.... And I say God was on our side because, through the haze, I thought I saw Mikey move, and I saw him moving faster than I had ever seen him move before. The young guard, the young soldier, tackled and curled his body aro







