A Gamble Against Time

ROWAN’S POV

Vance sits up properly now, and there’s something almost careful in how he does it, the way you move when you’re about to set something down that might break.

“We found Nalini.” He says it plain. “Your mother.”

The whole world tilts. I’m gripping his arm before I’ve decided to.

“You — what? Where? How? Is she—”

“Found is a strong word.” He covers my hand with his, steadying. “We haven’