Chapter 525

A weight settled in my chest, cold and crushing. I could not wait any longer—I had to call Kieran.

The phone rang. Then, at last, his voice came through, rough, and weary. "Serena."

I tried to speak, but the words caught in my throat. "Dad, he ... "

Kieran's silence stretched before he forced the words out. "He's gone."

The phone slipped from my fingers, hitting the floor with a dull thud.

I had k