Krysta's POV
My stomach churns as Nathan and I approach the children's room. The conversation we're about to have will shatter their world completely. Branch might be too young to fully grasp what's happened, but Gianna already suspects something terrible has occurred.
Nathan's knuckles rap against the door before we enter. The scene inside breaks my heart instantly.
Gianna sits cross-legged on the carpet, cradling baby Rhea against her chest while Branch presses into her side. Her free arm wraps protectively around her little brother as tears stream down both their faces.
Her voice trembles when she speaks. "Are you going to kill us too?"
The question hits me like a physical blow. I sink to the floor immediately, making myself as small and non-threatening as possible. Nathan follows my lead, crouching beside me with careful movements.
"Never, sweetheart," I whisper, my heart breaking at her terror.
"Then why?" Gianna's voice cracks with anguish. "Why did you kill them?"
