Chapter 194: Under Attack

LUMINA Again, Riley's attention drifted to the windows and ceiling, his body tensing as if preparing to flee. I watched him note the position of the door, the distance to the balcony, the height of the ceiling tiles. It was like watching a trapped animal calculating escape routes. "She taught me how to be quiet," he said finally. "And how to sit still. And how to not be trouble." "Those sound like very grown--up things to learn. Did you have time to play and be a kid?" Riley looked genuinely confused by the question. "Play is for after you earn it. You have to do your lessons first and be good." Ollie made a frustrated sound. "That's not how it works! Kids are supposed to play and have fun. You don't have to earn being happy." "You don't understand," Riley said firmly. "You were always wanted, so you don't know. Bad children have to work harder to be good enough." Dr. Sloane was taking extensive notes now, and I could see the concern growing in her expression as she pieced together the