Kieran lay on the bed, Genesis curled around him like a koala. She was fast asleep, but her grip hadn't lessened. Even in sleep, her fingers clung tightly to the fabric of his shirt, and her legs were tangled with his like vines refusing to let go.
He couldn't sleep.
He didn't dare.
His eyes stayed open, fixed on the ceiling, while the soft rhythm of her shaky breaths brushed against his skin.
His mind drifted back to what Doctor Aiden had said after checking her.
"Her body finally reacted to something sharp—something unexpected. That sound must have triggered the panic… but your voice grounded her.
The moment she heard you, it was like her body remembered where safety was. Her mind might still be sorting through fragments, but instinct brought her to you. That kind of reaction isn't conscious, Kieran. It's survival. She held on because she sees you as safe."
The doctor had knelt beside the bed, not daring to touch her, just observing the way she clung to Kieran like the world outside no longer mattered.
"She's awake now—not just physically. She's aware. But she's fragile. That scream? That wasn't her voice remembering how to speak. That was fear ripping its way out."
Kieran had only nodded, brushing her hair gently from her face as she buried herself deeper against him.
And now, hours later, her grip was still the same.
Her fingers twitched whenever he shifted. She was holding on like she feared he might disappear the moment she let go.
And Kieran… he couldn't bring himself to move.
Not after whatever she had just lived through.
So he tightened his arms around her, rested his cheek against her tangled hair, and whispered, "I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere."
The Next Morning
Kieran stood in front of the mirror, Genesis still wrapped around him.
He had made the mistake of gently trying to move her arms and slip off the bed earlier to use the restroom. The second he did, she had stood up, her silent cries breaking through the stillness.
He'd rushed back. She had turned at the sound of his footsteps and immediately latched onto him again like she hadn't even realized he'd left.
"Baby, I'm not going to leave," he whispered, rubbing soothing circles on her back. "I just need to use the restroom. Will you come down for just a moment?"
But instead of letting go, her grip tightened. Her legs locked tighter around his waist, her arms like iron bands.
Kieran sighed, rubbing a hand down his face. He didn't mind her being so close—but she wouldn't be comfortable while he was in the bathroom.
Still, he had no choice. He couldn't hold it forever.
Without another word, he looked away from the mirror and walked into the bathroom, stepping quietly over to the toilet.
He glanced at her. Her head rested on his shoulder, eyes puffy and red, silent.
"Princess?" he murmured, but she didn't respond. Just stared blankly at nothing.
He sighed again and turned back to the toilet, pulling himself out and relieving himself.
She didn't flinch.
She didn't say a word.
What he didn't realize was that she had briefly looked down, then quickly turned her head away, saying nothing.
When he was done, he flushed, washed his hands, and stepped back out.
He paused a few feet from the bed and turned to glance at her face. She looked up at him slowly—so pale, so tired.
"Are you hungry?" he asked softly.
At first, she didn't move. But then, after a pause, she gave the tiniest nod.
A smile broke across Kieran's face.
Without another word, he adjusted his hold on her and walked out of the bedroom, carrying her down the stairs.
The living room was quiet, but the sound of voices floated from the kitchen—Daisy, Eliana, and a few maids.
Kieran walked toward the kitchen and pushed the door open.
All eyes turned toward them.
Daisy's gasp was immediate when she saw Genesis clinging to him. Her eyes went wide—not because Kieran was carrying her, but because she had missed her.
"Lily!" Daisy shouted, leaping off the high stool. She stumbled, caught herself, then ran forward without hesitation.
Genesis turned her head toward the sound, and when she saw Daisy, a small smile curved on her lips.
Kieran crouched to the floor as Daisy ran over. Genesis turned in his arms at the sound, but she didn't come down.
"Lily!" Daisy cried out, her small frame launching forward as she wrapped her arms tightly around Genesis.
"I missed you, Lily. I missed you so much. I'm so happy you're awake," she said, her voice thick with emotion and eyes brimming with tears.
She raised her head, and Genesis placed a gentle hand on her cheek. Daisy's trembling eased at the touch, and her smile grew wider.
Kieran held them both, staying low to the ground, steady and quiet, as if afraid the moment would shatter.
Genesis didn't speak—of course, she couldn't—but her hand lingered on Daisy's cheek, her thumb wiping away a tear. She smiled, soft and hazy, and for a brief second, Kieran swore it was like watching sunlight break through a storm.
Behind the kitchen counter, Eliana stood frozen. One hand covered her mouth, her eyes shining with unshed tears. She didn't speak either—she didn't need to. The sight of Genesis awake, holding Daisy, was enough to steal every word.
Kieran finally broke the silence. "She's hungry," he said gently. "I was hoping… maybe something soft. Easy on the stomach."
Eliana nodded quickly, blinking away the tears. She turned and started giving quiet instructions to the maids. The kitchen stirred to life—pots clinked, bowls shuffled, and the warm scent of porridge began to fill the air.
"Daisy," Kieran said softly, "let's get Lily something to eat, yeah?"
Daisy nodded and let go slowly, pressing a soft kiss to Genesis's forehead before stepping back. Genesis's tired gaze followed her every movement like she wasn't sure what was safe yet.
Kieran stood up and walked over to the dining table, sitting with Genesis carefully in his lap. She didn't resist. Her arms found their way around his waist again, her cheek pressed against his chest like she'd never left.
Eliana soon brought a tray and set it in front of them—a small bowl of porridge, a few pieces of cut fruit, and a cup of warm tea. She didn't say a word, just offered a watery smile and quietly stepped away.
Kieran picked up the spoon. "Alright, princess. Open up."
Genesis blinked up at him, then looked at the spoon. She didn't move at first.
"It's okay," he said gently, lifting the spoon a little higher. "Just one bite. That's all."
After a long pause, she leaned forward, parted her lips, and took the spoonful into her mouth.
Kieran let out a shaky breath and looked up at the ceiling, silently thanking whatever force in the universe had brought his wife back.
Because if she hadn't…
Well. They all knew what he would've done.
A bloodbath across Manhattan. Starting with Caldwell's. And that was still on the agenda.
But first—he planned to start with a certain maid.