“Aiko.” A deep voice called her name just as the clock struck nine. Glen frowned at the girl curled in his arms. She hadn’t moved at all. Normally, Akiko would already be awake—quietly preparing breakfast, following her routine as if her body ran on a strict internal clock.“Hey,” he murmured, brushing her hair back. The moment his palm touched her skin, his expression darkened. She was burning. Glen immediately pulled the blanket tighter around her trembling body and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. Her breathing was heavy, uneven—far from normal.“It’s strange seeing you sleep in this late,” he muttered, unease creeping into his chest. Waiting for her to wake up felt wrong. Her lashes fluttered faintly, her lips slightly parted as if breathing itself took effort.“Aiko,” he called again, softer now, stroking her cheek. Slowly, she stirred. Her eyes opened—dull, red-rimmed, clouded with exhaustion. The moment she noticed the time, panic flashed across her face.“I’m sorry,” she
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