Page 49 of His to Destroy

To Luca’s room.

The door creaks open softly, and I step inside, breath catching at the sight of him curled up in bed, hugging his stuffed tiger tightly.

He’s okay.

He’s here.

And yet I can’t stop staring, can’t stop remembering how it felt when I thought I’d never see him again.

My baby.

My miracle.

I walk over, crouch beside the bed, and press my fingers gently to his forehead, brushing back a strand of hair. His face is relaxed, soft with sleep. His little mouth twitches, and he shifts slightly, murmuring something incoherent.

He doesn’t wake.

A few months ago, he would have.

The last time there was a raid near my shop, he couldn’t sleep through the night for weeks. Every siren, every sharp sound, had him crawling into my bed, trembling.

But now…

Now he’s sleeping through the night.

Through everything.

I sink down onto the edge of the bed, resting my hands in my lap, letting the ache of the day roll through me.

“Your water trip take a detour?”

I flinch at the sound of Gaspare’s voice.

He’s leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, shirtless, eyes soft.

I smile faintly. “Caught me.”

He walks over slowly, his bare feet silent against the floor.

“Wasn’t thirsty after all?”

I shake my head.

“No. I just needed to see him. Needed to be sure this wasn’t some dream I’d wake up from.”

Gaspare crouches in front of me, his hands resting gently on my knees.

“He’s okay.”

“I know,” I whisper. “But I didn’t. Not for hours. I didn’t know if I’d ever hold him again.”

Gaspare says nothing for a long moment.

Then, quietly, “I’m sorry I wasn’t there. I failed you. Both of you.”

I reach out, touch his face.

“No, Gaspare. You didn’t. You kept your promise.”

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