The lights were dim in the bedroom, and a soft lullaby hummed quietly from the panel embedded in the wall. Liora stood by the bed, gently lowering Aerish onto the mattress.
Her little girl stirred for only a second, then let out a tiny sigh and curled closer to her pillow, already drifting into sleep. Her soft breaths were steady, her small hands tucked under her chin.
Liora stood there longer than necessary, just watching.
So peaceful.
It was hard to believe that this was the same child Kazren had once claimed could conquer the world.
"She's just a baby…" Liora whispered under her breath, more to herself than anyone. "Just my baby."
But no matter how quiet the room, the weight in her chest didn't ease. Her fingers were trembling as she pulled the blanket up over Aerish's tiny shoulders. The moment her daughter's warmth left her arms, a chill settled deep in her bones.
They were leaving tomorrow.
