Back Where 196It was as though she had been waiting for me to rock her to sleep. As though she hadn’t rested for days, and the moment her head came to lie on my arm, sleep claimed her instantly.

Her warm breath fanned across my chest, and I stared up at the ceiling in silence. She felt so right in my arms, and I couldn’t wish for anything else but the rest of her life with me.

But then again, the rest of her life? Would it be a long one? One that lasted beyond these fragile seconds?

Because during dinner I had seen her eyes. When I arrived and found her in tears, I noticed it. Beneath that strength and power of hers was a breaking soul. That frustration, that misery… it shattered me. She was barely holding on, and I could feel it.

I sighed softly when she stirred. Looking down, I found her still, trusting me enough to lower every guard and close her eyes. She trusted me. So much.

I looked away at the blank space. I had come for three reasons. First, to seek Zephyrine’s forgiveness which I had accomplished. Second, to deliver Blue’s paycheck which I had done. And lastly, to face Jurrek Bane and ask what he truly intended for my sister.

Remaining still, I could sense his energy from the east wing. He was there in this pack, awake. I could feel it in his breath, in his pulse of energy.