Page 52 of Rogue’s Reckoning

A small part of me is grateful for Natalia's intervention, but mostly, I'm overwhelmed with fear and panic.

"He can't see her, Nat," I say, my voice urgent. "He can't be a part of her life. Not after what happened."

Natalia nods, squeezing my hand. "I know. I told him that. But, Willow... he seemed genuinely remorseful. He said he's regretted what happened every day for the past five years."

I scoff, anger rising to mix with the fear. "Remorseful? He stood by and watched while I was tortured. He didn't believe me when I told him the truth. How can I ever trust him around Wren?"

"I understand," Natalia says softly. "But... he did write you a letter. He asked me to give it to you."

She pulls an envelope from her bag and holds it out to me. I stare at it, Rogue's messy handwriting spelling out my name on the front.

With shaking hands, I take the letter. "I don't know if I can read this, Nat."

"You don't have to," she assures me. "Not right now, anyway. Take some time to process all this. I'm here for you, whatever you decide."

I nod, still staring at the letter in my hand.

“I’m so sorry, Will. I never meant for him to find out.”

“It’s okay,” I whisper. “He would have found out eventually.”

She gives me a shaky nod. “Maybe so, but I’m still sorry it was me who told him.” She squeezes my hand. “I’ll let you be alone. Wren will be home soon. Is Tamara’s mom dropping her off?”

I nod. “Yeah,” I mumble, glancing back down at the letter in my hands.

“It’ll be okay,” she promises me. “I’ll stop by later, okay?”

I don’t answer. I’m unable to take my eyes off the letter. I hear the door closing as I continue to stare at the letter in my hands, my heart pounding. The familiar handwriting on the envelope sends a chill down my spine. Rogue. After five years of silence, he's reached out.

Part of me wants to tear it up without reading it. To protect myself and Wren from the pain he caused. But another part, a part I thought I'd buried long ago, is curious. What could he possibly have to say after all this time?

With trembling hands, I open the envelope, unfold the paper inside, and read the letter. God, he sounds so sincere. But can I believe him? How can I trust that what he’s saying is real?

Tears blur my vision as I finish reading. I sink deeper into the couch, overwhelmed by a flood of emotions. Anger, fear, sadness, and something else—something I don’t want to admit.

"Mama?" Wren's voice cuts through my turmoil. Crap, she’s home. "Are you okay?"

I quickly wipe my eyes, forcing a smile as I turn to my daughter. "I'm fine, Little Bird. I was just reading something that made me a bit sad."

Wren climbs onto the couch next to me, her small hand reaching for mine. "Don't be sad, Mama. I'll give you a big hug to make it better!"

As she wraps her arms around me, I hold her tight, breathing in her sweet scent. "Mama, why are you squeezing me so tight?" Wren giggles.

I loosen my grip, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Because I love you so much, Little Bird. More than anything in this world."

Wren beams up at me. "I love you too, Mama! Can we have ice cream for dessert tonight?"

I can't help but laugh at her quick change of subject. "We'll see. Why don't you go wash up and start on your homework? I'll be there to help you in a minute."

As Wren skips off to her room, I'm left alone with my thoughts and Rogue's letter. What am I going to do? Can I really keep Wren from her father? Do I have the right to?

But then I remember the pain, the betrayal, the fear. The nightmares that still plague me some nights. How can I trust him with our daughter when he couldn't even trust me?

I fold the letter and tuck it into my pocket. I can't deal with this right now. Wren needs me, and she has to be my priority.

As I help Wren with her homework, my mind keeps drifting back to Rogue's words. He wants to be part of Wren's life. He says he's changed. But can people really change that much?

Later that night, after Wren is tucked in bed, I find myself sitting on the couch, staring at Rogue's letter again. I've read it so many times I've practically memorized it.

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