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Instead, she broke the bread into small pieces, feeding the baby first whenever the child stirred. Only after the infant settled did Clara take a few careful sips of soup, slow and measured, as if afraid it might vanish.
Something tight and unfamiliar twisted in Victor’s chest.
“Yesterday morning,” Clara answered simply. “It’s okay. I’m used to it.”
No child should ever be forced to say those words.
“June,” she replied, her voice softening immediately. “She’s eight months old.”
“And your mother?” he asked next. “What was her name?”
Victor’s heart slammed against his ribs.
Elena.
This wasn’t chance.
“Did your mother have a mark like yours?” he asked quietly.
Victor shut his eyes.
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