"He would have cherished the chance to meet him fully," Erica murmured, standing close by my side.
My daughter had grown noticeably quieter since Marcus's passing.
The loss had drawn her inward, into a withdrawn reflection that mirrored my own hidden fractures.
They had shared a closeness built on mutual deep respect—he'd taken on her training with dedicated warrior focus, imparting essential skills to forge her into true strength.
Now that the devoted teacher rests forever beyond our reach.
"Yet profoundly he had indeed met the child," I replied, adjusting the wrap slightly to settle Alaric more comfortably.
"Your brother draws breath today solely because of Marcus's act."
"Does that supposed comfort truly ease the sharp sting at all?" Her voice cracked under the weight of raw, u
