Isla's POV
"Mama, I'm scared."
Ethan's voice breaks through my thoughts. We're in Marcus's car, racing toward the hospital, and both twins are squeezed between us. Aiden hasn't said a word since we left the warehouse.
"I know, baby. I'm scared too." I pull Ethan closer. "But being scared is okay. Being brave doesn't mean you're not scared. It means you keep going even when you are."
"Will Daddy be okay?"
The word still sounds strange from his mouth. Yesterday, Dominic was just "the bad man who hurt Mama." Now he's Daddy, fighting for his life.
"I don't know." I won't lie to him. Not about this. "But he's strong. And the doctors are helping him."
Aiden suddenly speaks, his voice tiny. "It's my fault."
Everyone in the car goes still.
"Sweetie, no—" I start.
"Uncle Victor wanted me. He said I was special." Aiden's eyes fill with tears. "If I wasn't here, nobody would be hurt."
