"The people who attacked Santego's estate," he says. "That wasn't me."
"I didn't think it was."
"I want you to know that. I'm angry. Furious. But I wouldn't put you in danger."
"Thank you for telling me."
"I hear you're working with him. Using your skills."
"Yes. He values my mind, not just..." I stop.
"Not just what?"
"Not just the fact that I'm carrying his child."
Dad makes a sound that might be a bitter laugh. "He should. You're brilliant. Always have been."
The compliment makes my throat tight.
"Dad, I..."
"I'm not ready to forgive you. Or him. But I needed to know you're alive. That you're being treated well."
"I am. He's... he's good to me."
"He better be. Because if he's not, alliance or no alliance, I'll kill him myself."
"I know."
Another long silence.
"Take care of yourself, Aurora. And the baby."
"I will. You too."
He hangs up without saying goodbye.
I sit there holding the phone, tears streaming down my face. It's not forgiveness. It's not reconciliation. But it's something. The first crack in the wall between us.
He still cares. Even if he can't say it. Even if he's still too angry to see me.
He cares.
I'm still crying when Axel returns an hour later. He sees my face and immediately crosses to me.
"What happened? Are you hurt?"
"My father called."
Understanding dawns. He pulls me into his arms, and I cling to him.
"What did he say?"
"He asked if I was safe. Said the attack wasn't him. Told me to take care of myself and the baby." The words come out between sobs. "It's not much, but it's more than I expected."
"It's something. A start."
"I miss him, Axel. I know I shouldn't. I know he said terrible things. But he's my father, and I miss him."
