The next morning.
Following the long corridor upstairs, I reached the smaller nursery tucked near the west wing of Everwatch Hall.
It smelled faintly of baby powder and lavender, and the soft hum of a lullaby machine played low in the background, soothing and sweet.
Doctor Summer was already waiting for me, sitting by the window where the soft morning light poured in gold and white.
She stood when she saw me, her face gentle, warm, the kind of kindness you don’t realize you’re starving for until it’s right in front of you.
“You’re ready, dear?” she asked kindly, holding out a little cup in her gloved hand.
I nodded, biting my lip hard enough to taste blood, and took it.
The small bathroom attached to the nursery was clean, simple — a small sink, white tiles, and a mirror I didn’t da
