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I look at her. “It’s about Irina.”

The doors open. We step inside, and she presses the button for Anya’s floor.

“I heard her on the phone a few days ago,” she continues. “She said she was sorry because something hadn’t worked out. Then she said the person on the other end hadn’t been able to get to Anya at the party, and that it wasn’t her fault. She said she couldn’t do anything once you arrived.”

I keep my eyes on the numbers above the door, but I can’t stop myself from frowning.

“She also said she hadn’t told you anything and that the other person should stay away for now,” she says.

The lift stops. We step out.

“I’m not telling you this because I’m jealous of her,” Elara says. “I know she has feelings for you, but that isn’t why I’m bringing it up.”

“I know.”

She looks at me, probably expecting an argument.

“You have no reason to be jealous,” I add.

Her expression changes slightly, but she doesn’t smile. “That isn’t what matters.”

“I know that too.”

“Do you?”

“I know you think Kirill did it,” she says warily.

“He’s the obvious suspect, for now,” I say, but I don’t dismiss what she’s telling me about Irina either.

“I’ll find out.”

“And if she denies it?”

“I’ll still find out.”

She studies my face, then looks through the small glass panel in the door. Anya is awake, propped against the pillows with a bandage across her forehead. The sight of her makes Elara’s shoulders loosen.

I open the door.

Irina is not inside. A nurse stands beside the bed, checking the monitor, and Anya turns her head when we enter.

“Papa.”

I go to her first and bend to kiss her hair. “How are you feeling?”

“My head hurts.”

“The doctor said it would.”

Anya looks past me. Her face brightens when she sees Elara. “Elle.”

Elara comes closer, but she stops beside the bed instead of sitting down. She looks at me once. I know what she is asking. Is it all right? Will someone send her away again?

I give her a small nod.

She places the rabbit beside Anya’s arm. “For you.”

Anya touches its soft fur, then pulls it carefully against her chest. “It’s pretty.”