The nurse nodded sympathetically, guiding him to Erica’s room. There she was, his little sister, looking fragile among the beeping machines. Max swallowed hard, forcing a reassuring smile as he entered. “Hey, sis,” he said softly.

Erica’s eyes fluttered open, and a weak smile touched her lips. “Max,” she whispered, tears glistening in her eyes. Her face was bruised, bandages covering the worst of the damage. Seeing her like this ignited the fire within him.

“I’m here to make this right,” Max promised, taking her hand gently. “You’re safe now.”