Aria.
I stirred awake slowly, the weight of sleep still clinging to my limbs like a heavy blanket. My cheek was pressed against something warm, solid. Kai. His arms were around me, steady and calm, his breathing deep and even. I blinked at the ceiling for a moment, confused at how peaceful I felt. How long had it been since I’d woken up without the sting of fear or the pull of nightmares?
The moment didn’t last long.
A sharp cry pierced through the room, loud and sudden.
I jolted, eyes flying toward the doorway where Eli stood, small fists rubbing his eyes as tears streamed down his cheeks. His bottom lip trembled, and his cheeks were wet and blotchy.
“Mama,” he cried softly, voice thick and broken.
Beside me, Kai groaned into the pillow, his voice muffled as he dragged it over his
