Mom gave me a teary smile, and Dad patted my shoulder. It was a day when we were still together. I had casually mentioned it to Thea—that if I ever had a son, I’d name him Orion. The fact that she had considered my thoughts and would have given him a name I liked, had it been a boy, meant the whole fucking world to me.

Before any of us could speak, a nurse called for me. “We arranged it. You’re her father; you should see her,” Mom said. I nodded and followed the nurse. After they fitted me with protective gear, she led me into a room and directly to my daughter. Seeing her so small, with tubes attached to her body, made my knees weak. “Is she going to be okay?” I choked out. I didn’t know I could love someone so deeply, so completely, but I was wrong. In that moment, Phoenix became my world. I doubted anyone could ever be as important to me as she was.

“Yes. She’s recovering well so far, and we believe she’ll be fine,” the nurse answered with a kind smile. I know every father probably thinks this, but damn, Phoenix was beautiful. I touched her tiny face, unable to believe that Thea had created such a perfect life. She meant everything to me, and she now had my heart. I thanked Thea because if she hadn’t told me she was pregnant, I would have missed the best gift anyone could ever give me. Although I might still be in prison for the next few years, I would do everything in my power to protect her, and because of her, I would be on my best behavior to get paroled. I stayed with her for a few more minutes before the head nurse told me it was time to leave. Leaving my daughter broke my heart, but I had no choice. Those few minutes I could spend with her were the best moments of my life.

Next, I went to see Thea. Fuck, I loved her so much. Seeing her like this caused me pain beyond words. I would forever regret ruining my chance with her, but I was starting to realize that everything happens for a reason. It might not make sense, maybe never will, but there was a reason behind it all. I was holding her hand when Mom came in to tell me my time was up. I sighed but nodded. “I will always love you, Thea. I hope you know that,” I told her motionless body.

Leaving took all my willpower, but I remembered my promise to Phoenix to get out early. Leaving her room, I went to hug my parents. The guards were getting ready to handcuff me when Iris’s voice came from behind. “Kane?” I turned. During my time with Thea, we’d become friends. She was like the sister I never had.

“I’m still mad at you, but I’m glad you’re here. I’m sorry I didn’t come to see you.” “It’s fine, Iris, I understand.” “Can I hug you? I miss my friend.”

I nodded, and she rushed into my arms. I held her tight, feeling almost complete, but not quite. “Take care,” I whispered. “You too, Kane,” she whispered back. “When things settle down, I’ll come visit you.” “I’ll look forward to that day.”

I let her go only to see Roman glaring at me. I glared right back. I hated him too, because he hadn’t treated Thea well either. I just never understood why Iris was still with him.

I hugged my parents one last time, then let the guards handcuff me. As they led me back to prison, I found myself praying for another miracle—one where Thea would wake up and Phoenix would thrive. This time, I actually believed the Moon Goddess might be listening.