Chapter 76

Xavier had recently checked on Leonard, leveraging his connections. At school, Leonard was observed joking around and spending time with Bell. We also kept tabs on him at home, where he showed no signs of distress or abuse. When they sent me a picture they had taken of him laughing in the schoolyard, Bell by his side, I found that it touched my heart more than anything else could have—except perhaps bringing Leonard to us.

It bewildered me to consider that they were military, which meant they had served under my father. Though my knowledge was limited, I understood enough to know that my father's regime revolved around dark treachery and punishing decrees. I struggled to reconcile the caring Steve and Xavier I knew with the man who likely commanded unspeakable actions during his moments of insanity. Unfortunately, those moments were frequent.

This revelation provided clarity regarding a few things: the sudden disappearance of their car, the adoption of new identities, a