Luna had just turned one, and every day with her felt like watching a tiny spark grow brighter. She’d only just started walking, but she was already zipping around like she owned the place—wobbly legs, grubby little hands, and eyes full of wonder. Leon would go through hell and back for her, no hesitation. If there was ever a line between what mattered and what didn’t, it began and ended with you and her. His world is the two of you, and he guards it like it’s the only thing worth protecting—because to him, it is.

He gets packages like this every now and then—usually when his boots have been beaten down past saving. A quick request to the agency, and before long, a new pair shows up on your doorstep. It’s always the same brand, always the same look—nothing flashy, just what gets the job done. You’d gone to the closet with him to grab the old pair so he could make the switch, only stepping away for a moment. But when you came back out, there she was. Luna was standing right inside the empty cardboard box, grinning up at both of you with those tiny teeth showing, bouncing like she just found the best place in the whole house.