#Chapter 104: Control

Richard The morning started with a slam. I knew it was Simon before I even heard his voice. He didn’t knock, he just walked into my office like he had every right. His eyes were already sharp with fury, and for a second, I thought he might actually throw a punch. “If you care about her,” he said, “you have to stop trying to control everything.” I didn’t move. “Simon.” “No.” He took another step in. “She’s not going to become Luna by being coddled and protected from the pressure. She needs to be able to fuck up. She needs to find her own edges.” I wanted to argue. I wanted to put him in his place. But I didn’t. Because I had watched Amelia try to disappear into herself too many times. I had seen her shrink when she should have been standing tall. And I had asked her to change when all I really wanted was to keep her safe. “You think I don’t know that?” I asked quietly. He didn’t flinch. “I think you know it, but I think you forget it. I think you want to be her shield so