The fireflies waited for her.
They hovered just beyond the edge of her room, like a living constellation, their glow waxing and waning in a rhythm that felt deliberate.
Jasmine stood frozen beside her bed, bare feet pressed into the cool stone floor, her nightdress brushing against her ankles.
Her heart beat so loudly she was certain it would give her away.
For a long moment, she did nothing but breathe slow, shallow breaths, one hand resting protectively over the curve of her belly.
This was madness.
Her father's voice echoed in her mind.
Rebels. Dangerous. Liars.
And yet here she was.
Sneaking like a thief in the night.
Jasmine swallowed, tightening her robe around herself.
The fireflies drifted closer to the door, their light spilling over the wood as if urging her on.
"I won't be long," she whispered to her baby. "Just… stay quiet for me."
The door creaked softly as she eased it open.
She winced, pausing, listening.
Nothing.
