SERAPHINA’S POV
I stayed in Daniel’s room long after he fell asleep.
My hand rested over his, thumb brushing his skin as if I could anchor him there, in that moment, in that fragile stillness where he was only my son and not…something more.
Carefully, I eased my hand away, smoothing the blanket once more before rising from the bed. The room was quieter now, softer, but the weight I carried out with me did not lessen.
The hallway was dim when I stepped out, the low lighting casting long shadows along the walls.
Nightfang had settled into that strange, restless quiet that came after conflict, when the danger had not fully passed but exhaustion demanded its due anyway.
The door to our room was slightly ajar, warm light spilling into the hallway. I pushed it open and stepped inside.
Kieran sat on the edge of the bed, one arm braced against his knee, his head bowed as if lost in thought.
He looked up the moment I entered, his gaze finding mine instantly.
“How is he?”
