42. (DANE POV)

(DANE POV)

By the time I returned to the academy, the lockdown had been lifted, a testament to the lengths I had gone to ensure the safety of everyone within its walls. The measures I took, though necessary, were ones I would rather forget, a series of choices that would forever haunt the corners of my memory.

Finding them in the dining room, with Jo happily eating breakfast sitting in his lap, the relief of seeing them safe momentarily outweighed the feelings of what I'd done.

"I missed you, kitten," I whispered.

Jo's initial joy at seeing me quickly soured, regressing as she sought comfort in Deirk's presence over mine. It was a reaction I hadn't anticipated, cutting deeper than any physical wound.

I made several attempts to coax her from Deirk's lap to reconnect with her, but she resisted every effort. Her refusals were clear enough to draw the eyes of others in the dining hall.

Ultimately, we retreated to my room, Deirk carrying Jo because she refused to walk. She finally