He gently lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. “You have nothing to be sorry for. I’m going to take care of this. But first, we need to get you somewhere safe.”

Together, they packed a few essentials. Nathan could feel the urgency in each movement, the need to act quickly before their mother returned. He reached for his phone, calling an old army buddy who lived nearby, arranging for a place for Lily to stay.

As they left the house, Nathan glanced at the horizon, determination hardening in his chest. He had come home for peace and family, but now he was driven by a new mission: to protect Lily and return safety to their lives.