Lara followed Shay down the quiet hallway, each step heavier than the last. The child clung to her like a shadow afraid of being left behind, small fingers twisting into the fabric of her clothes as if letting go would make everything disappear.
The door to Shay's room creaked open, and Lara stepped inside, her body already aching for rest. The encounter with Artemio still lingered in her bones—sharp, suffocating, and exhausting. Just one hour with him had drained her far more than she wanted to admit.
"Mommy…" Shay's voice trembled, barely louder than a whisper.
Lara tried to walk toward the bed, but Shay's weight made it difficult. She adjusted her hold, forcing a tired smile despite the strain.
"I'll handle that."
Ares' voice cut in smoothly. He stepped forward without hesitation, his presence steady and grounding. Lara didn't resist as he gently lifted Shay from her arms. Shay, too, offered no protest—her small body simply yielding, as if she trusted him completely.
