He stood abruptly, his towering form casting a shadow that seemed to swallow the room. My heart leapt in hope, but it died as quickly as it came. Without another word, he turned on his heel and strode out, the door closing behind him with a dull thud.
The emptiness he left behind was colder than any winter night.
I sank to my knees beside Kael, brushing a hand through his soft, dark hair. Tears blurred my vision, but I refused to let them fall.
“It’s okay,” I whispered, my voice breaking. “I’m here, baby. I’m here.”
Kael stirred slightly, his lips parting as if to speak, but he settled back into sleep. I sat there for what felt like hours, the crackling fire, the only sound, vowing to hold together what Lucian seemed determined to let crumble.
Later that evening, I sat at my desk, papers spread out before me. The council had sent another batch of reports, and I was knee-deep in reviewing files on the new warriors who’d sworn their oaths yesterday. The work was tedious, but it kept my mind busy, a welcome distraction from everything else.