Zaliyah stepped into Sylaris's bedchambers. Finding the windows propped open to the chilly night air, he raised his hand, pointing his fingers toward the wooden shutters. With a subtle flick of his wrist, as if turning an invisible key, the windows obeyed his silent command, swinging shut and sealing tight against the frame.
A gentle smile touched Zaliyah's lips as he crossed the floor and sat on the edge of his daughter's bed. He reached out to gently clasp her chubby little fingers, lifting them to his lips to press a soft kiss against her knuckles. "I'm sorry I couldn't accompany you to the square," he whispered softly into the quiet room. "I will make it up to you tomorrow."
He caressed the child's soft hair, smoothing back a few stray lock. Sylaris stirred lightly, her little chest rising and falling in a slow rhythm as she muttered softly in her sleep: "Carmilla..."
Zaliyah froze, A second later, a smile spread across Sylaris's sleeping face.
