I couldn't sleep.the message kept running through my head. *The abominations must die.*
Someone in this fortress wanted my babies dead.
I got out of bed quietly. The twins were finally asleep after all the crying. Vaelor was sitting in a chair by the window, staring out at the dark.
"Can't sleep either?" I asked.
"No. Something feels wrong."
Through the bond, I felt his unease. His readiness for a fight.
"I'm going to check the hallway," he said. "Make sure the guards are still there."
He left.
I moved to the bassinet. Looked down at Caelum and Lyra sleeping peacefully.
They had no idea people wanted them dead. No idea their existence threatened an entire power structure.
Through the bond, I felt Vaelor's alarm spike.
Then pain.
"Vaelor!" I ran to the door, threw it open.
He was in the corridor. Surrounded by four guards in Council uniforms.
Blood ran down his face. They were beating him.
