Chapter 126

They’re her world. And him? Who am I? Daimon thought bitterly. That question haunted him until it finally slipped out. “Who is the kids’ father?” he asked, his voice low, rough. He hadn’t meant to ask. He had told himself he wouldn’t push. But he couldn’t hold it back anymore. Not when it hurt like this. Not when every word she said felt like a door slamming shut in his face. Elyana stiffened slightly, caught off guard by the unexpected question. She kept her tone even, hiding the turmoil behind her eyes. “Their father passed away a long time ago,” she said. The words landed like a blow. Daimon felt as if someone had punched him straight in the chest. Her answer—so firm, so final—was like a cold blade slicing through flesh. His throat tightened, and a bitter taste rose in his mouth. Rage coiled inside him, tangled with a deep, aching pain. He stared at Elyana, trying to read something—anything—from her expression, but she sat there unmoved, distant, as if nothing he did or said could t