He asked for the “recovered child” by name. He called her Emeline Ryan. “I’ve been frantic,” he said, voice catching just enough to sound rehearsed. “Her mother—well, she’s not in the picture anymore. We live nearby. May I see her?” The clerk paged Security.
Elena stood at the ICU door as the man approached, a detective trailing behind to verify identity. Valorian’s ears rose first, then flattened. His body stiffened—not curious this time, but vigilant, every muscle coiled. “It’s okay, boy,” Elena murmured automatically, though her voice sounded hollow to herself.