Alaric’s heart raced so loudly he was certain the others could hear it. For a moment, all he could do was open and close his mouth, not sure what to say. He could have sworn he felt like someone who had just been handed a live grenade wrapped in glitter.
Papa Al. For God’s sake, the simple words had somehow gone straight into his chest and wrapped around his heart in a single beat. He felt the weight like an invisible anchor.
He looked down at Roxie and then her son. Josiah’s brows were pulled together in concern, his little mouth turned down in a tiny frown. He didn’t look confused after silencing the room. He didn’t look scared either. No. Josiah just looked worried. And he wanted an answer.
Alaric blinked. Once. Twice. “I uhm…” Alaric cleared his throat.
From the corner of his eye
