As we were about to leave Regan's home, his words stopped me. "Magnus," he said, his tone both stern and concerned, "she hasn't eaten since last night. Do something about that."
I glanced at Aria, her delicate frame slightly hunched, her face pale. Her silence hit me like a blow to the chest. I simply nodded, unable to trust my voice, and led her gently to the car. She followed without resistance, her gaze fixed on the ground, as though the world outside had lost its color.
Once we were seated in the car, I looked over at her. "Aria, we're taking today slow," I said firmly. "I want to spend it with you. No arguments."
She didn't respond, but the slight rise and fall of her shoulders told me she had heard.
----
LAKE HOUSE
