Marcus went utterly still.
Lila shook her head at once. “No. Absolutely not. You did exactly what you should. You ran to safety. That is the bravest thing a child can do.”
Henry blinked up at her. “You’re sure?”
“I’m certain.”
Marcus’s expression softened, just a fraction, at the steadiness of her voice.
Mrs. Pritchard guided Henry back a step. “Let Miss Edgewood breathe, sweetheart. She must be exhausted.”
“I’m not,” Henry insisted, though he loosened his grip.
Lila smoothed his hair. “I’ll sit with you for a little while.”
“You will stay?” Hope brightened his eyes.
Marcus answered for her, gently, without claiming. “She will. Tonight.”
Lila looked at him.
Marcus held her gaze without flinching.
Something settled between them. Quiet. Irrevocable. Not gratitude. Not relief. Recognition.
Mrs. Pritchard led Henry toward the drawing room.
Lila followed, but Marcus caught her hand lightly.
She paused.
“Lila,” he said, his voice taut now with everything he had held back. “Don’t wander off again tonight.”
She almost smiled. “I was taken, Marcus.”
His jaw tightened. “Yes. And if it ever happens again, I will tear this city apart brick by brick.”
Her breath trembled. “I know.”
He closed his eyes for a heartbeat. “You’re safe,” he murmured. “Say it.”
“I’m safe.”
“And I can breathe again.”
Her heart twisted.
They stood too close for too long until Henry called her name again.
She turned. Marcus let her hand slowly slip from his.
“Goodnight for now,” she said.
“Not goodnight,” he answered. “Not yet.”
Chapter Forty-One
Henry refused toleave Lila’s side.
