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Rain.

Blood.

My daughter’s ruined ribbon wrapped around my hand.

The fire.

Saint-Clair.

House of Ash.

I thought I’d lost everything that night.

The truth hit harder.

I was lying to myself.

I turned my head, listening to her steady breaths.

Because now I had something left to lose.

23

NYSSA

Lightness.

Breath.

Sunlight.

Him…

Alaric.

Warmth surrounded me.

Strong.

Steady.

Safe.

My eyelids fluttered open. Then reality pushed in.

The storm. The Nightmare. Us.

My breath deepened. Movement drew my gaze. Alaric sat on the edge of the bed. A fresh shirt on. Sleeves rolled. Coffee in hand, listening to the estate wake up. One soft draw of breath and sweetness hit me. I turned my head, a cup sat next to me.

“Tea,” he murmured. “Strong. Just how you like it after…”

After a nightmare.

I swallowed hard, my pulse louder. I sat there, frozen for a second.

Then I moved.

But I didn’t reach for the cup. I reached for him.