- ARIAThe morning light hit the room in soft, honeyed streaks, filtering through the heavy velvet curtains of the master suite.I blinked, my face feeling stiff and heavy. The second I moved, a sharp twinge in my nose reminded me of the nightmare on the sidewalk.But then, a soft, gurgling sound pulled me back.I turned my head. Aurora was awake in the bassinet next to the bed. She was kicking her little legs, her tiny fists waving in the air. When our eyes met, she let out a toothless, gummy grin that felt like a ray of sun hitting my chest."Hey, baby girl," I whispered, my voice sounding like I'd swallowed sand. I reached out, my fingers trembling as I stroked her velvet cheek. "I missed you so much. You have no idea."She grabbed my finger, pulling it toward her mouth with a happy squeal. For a moment, the world was just us. Just the scent of baby powder and the weight of a tiny hand.The door creaked open.I stiffened, the warmth in my chest curdling. Luca walked in, carrying Ad
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