"And Amara? Do you have her news?"
Archer hesitated at Dante's question…just a second…but it was enough.
That second stretched and Dante caught it.
His eyes snapped up.
"You got Amara's news?"
His voice trembled for a fraction…barely…but Archer heard it.
In the next instant, Dante's hand shot forward.
He grabbed Archer's wrist, yanking him a step closer, forcing him to meet his eyes.
"Why didn't you tell me?" he demanded,though there was no anger this time. He looked desperate.
Archer opened his mouth, searching for words that wouldn't sting.
But none came easy.
He swallowed hard and finally spoke.
"The doctors said… she was a little stable. So they decided to shift her to the general ward… instead of the intensive care area."
For a moment…just one moment…something flickered across Dante's face.
A spark. Relief. Hope.
Something human that hadn't dared show itself in days.
His lips parted, and then he exhaled, almost laughing under his breath.
