The world had narrowed to sensation and trust, each breath measured against the rhythm of hearts beating in perfect synchronization.
But just as Samantha felt herself dissolving into the exquisite tension building between them, a sound pierced through the carefully crafted atmosphere of the playroom—a sound that made all four of them freeze instantly.
It was Nova's cry, but not her usual fussing. This was different. Sharp, urgent, and laced with something that made every parental instinct they possessed snap to immediate attention.
"That's not a hungry cry," Kai said, his body going rigid against Samantha.
Marcus was already moving, his commanding presence shifting seamlessly from dominant to protective father in the span of a heartbeat. "The wards should have—"
Another cry, followed by what sounded distinctly like... laughter?
