Valtira.
I did not remember crossing the distance to the room; one moment I stood at the table, the next I was pushing the door open with a force that rattled its hinges.
She was curled tightly on the bed, her small body folded into itself. Long strands of dark hair veiled her face as she pressed her forehead against her knees, trembling.
“Raven… what is the matter?” I whispered, rushing to sit beside her.
At my voice, she lifted her head abruptly.
Tears streaked her cheeks.
“Mother… there is a monster in my dream,” she sobbed. “It would not let me go. It wanted to take me.”
The terror in her voice sliced clean through me.
“Oh, my dear… come here.”
I gathered her into my arms, holding her firmly against my chest, rocking her slightly as though she were still a babe.
“I am scared
