A Fragile Truce

Darius’s POV

With some convincing, we coaxed the girls to return upstairs. Together, Valerie and I spent some time with them, playing games and reading books. During this, they stopped crying, and when it came time to put them to bed, they seemed reassured that everything was fine.

At least, for now.

Leaving their bedrooms, Valerie and I quietly returned downstairs to the den. While Valerie walked