Opal sighed and crouched down, pinching Kael's cheek. "So I lost because I didn't have you?"
Kael nodded confidently. "I heard him say he only kept her because of me."
Opal shook her head in resignation. "You watch them. I'll go by myself."
...
Rosalind Lowell was beside Alaric Davenport, wiping him down with a damp towel. Seeing no signs of him waking, she sat down next to the bed, propping her head on her hand to watch him.
"You're just lying here, and Crystal is missing. If something happens to either of you, I don't think I can take it anymore."
With his eyes still closed, Alaric secretly listened to her speak.
"When I left, I was pregnant with Crystal. I thought I could give up on you for good, but I overestimated myself."
Listening to the grievance in her voice, Alaric felt a sharp pang in his heart, as if it were being pricked by a needle. Several times, he fought the urge to open his eyes and pull her into his arms.
"She's your daughter. Why didn't you believe me?"
