Madelyn sensed there was something unusual about the man's relationship with her mother. Convinced Kai knew more, she quickly took the photo and left. She closed the secret chamber and hid the picture inside a book, planning to retrieve it the next day.

As she opened the door, she saw Zach with wet hair, clearly having just showered. Seeing her without Dalton, he asked, "Where's Dal?"

"Dal?" Madelyn responded, her surprise evident. 'I'm sure I left him on the couch. Where is he?'

Out of nowhere, a tiny head appeared from under the desk. Dalton giggled, babbled, and drooled. As he crawled on the soft carpet, Madelyn's voice was tinged with both urgency and frustration. "Didn't I just give you a bath? Look at the mess you've made."

Carefully using her left hand, she lifted him, trying not to strain her still-recovering right hand.

Zach had been taking good care of her injury, often using a cold compress to soothe the pain. When it came to personalities and tastes, they were like op