Ariyah's POV
Deep Forest - New Home
Six months after Lucian's birth
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The forest goes silent.
I'm arranging herbs on the windowsill of our new cottage when the birds stop singing. It happens all at once, like a hand closing over the world's mouth. I freeze, my heart lurching.
"Lucian?"
He's sitting in the small clearing outside, his chubby legs stretched out in front of him. At six months old, he's already trying to walk, already reaching for things he shouldn't. And right now, he's reaching for a bird.
A small blue bird, perched on the ground just beyond his fingers.
"Lucian, don't move," I whisper, stepping toward the door.
But I'm too slow.
The bird hops forward, tilts its head, and lands on his finger.
I stop breathing.
Lucian giggles, his silver-blue eyes wide with won
