When She Rose From the Ashes

1 A Father’s Warning

Sean chattered on and on, mumbling happily to himself as he stared at his phone.

When Baron walked into his room, he found his son grinning like a fool, whispering to the screen.

Baron had seen many sides of this boy, but never this.

“Sean, what are you doing?”

“N-nothing!”

Sean jerked upright, shoving the phone behind his back. His voice.cracked. “I was… watching videos.”

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“Less screen time. Bad for your eyes. Come down for breakfast. After we eat, I’ll take you and Susie off this island… to see your mommy.”

“Really?”

Sean nearly burst with joy. He scrambled off the bed, eyes wide, practically bouncing in place.

“Daddy, you’re a man. You have to keep your word. Otherwise, you’re a puppy!”

Outside, anyone who dared call Mr. Gunn-or worse, the Witch Doctor-a puppy would be dead before the words left their lips.

But from his son, Baron only smiled faintly.

*Alright.”

He flicked the boy’s nose, then led him downstairs.

that day was filled with laughter. Susie’s dimples flashed with every giggle, too delighted to hide her excitement. Sean stuffed food into his mouth as if every bite brought him

I should come along. We’ve raised the children since birth. Some of their habits… servants elsewhere might

considered, then nodded. “Fine. Pack what

“Yes, sir.”

hands. “I like Grandpa

on the moment he would finally see

Baron on the deck of the yacht. The sea stretched endlessly before them as the ship cut

1:07 pm &

A

face was composed, but inside

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into the open. Bringing them into

meant more weight on his

blood, if need

His phone rang. Yvonne.

Baron’s eyes narrowed. Trouble?

stopping Sean and Susie from

“Speak.”

voice was low, controlled,

hours ago-low-grade fever. The sterile ward hasn’t been entered, I

expression eased

back immediately. The infections won’t stop until

soon.”

‘Yes, Mr. Gunn.”

before

“What else?”

sharp breath. “I… I have news about