Soraya's POV
I jolted awake—heart racing, breath sharp—my eyes glowing bright silver in the dark. My claws were already out before my mind fully caught up.
"Liam?"
His name tore out of me.
I threw the blanket aside and rushed out of the room, down the hallway, my pulse loud in my ears. I descended the stairs in seconds, ready to tear apart anything threatening my child—
But the sight that met me froze everything inside me.
Liam was sitting cross-legged on the rug with Pa James, the chessboard open between them. The little boy laughed excitedly as Pa James rubbed his chin, pretending to be deeply defeated.
My shoulders dropped. The glow in my eyes dimmed. My claws retracted with a soft sting.
Ma Cecilia appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. She spotted me still standing halfway down the stairs.
"Maria, you're up," she said warmly.
Her voice drew both Pa James and Liam's attention.
