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/>And as we stride out the door, I think I hear him mutter, “Every ti”

Chapter 17

Danica

My daughter is restless for her fathers I sense her thinking of theet little flashes she sends totwists in my heart Hoill I ever tell her that she can’t have them, know them…and it’s my fault?

I soothe her by nursing and soon she falls asleep, a little curl of golden hair falling across her soft, pale purple face Her long lashes flutter on her cheeks, and with her claws retracted, her tiny fingers are so sweet and perfect, although right now she has therass I kiss her head Mine

A rustle at the door has asp, because there they are:of sweat and adrenaline, faces lined orry—and I’ve never found them more handsome

I stand, leaving the young covered with a soft blanket and step forward, my whole body intent on them “You’re safe!” Tears coe

“Of course we are” Gorde strides forward and takes my hands in his, touches my face “And you are, too Thank the stars” He acts to pull me to him, then hesitates “You’re—please, sit down You must need rest” His jaw stains a deeper purple and his er onLike he can’t stop touching me “I’m sorry”

Benn co Zander to warn us” He touches ers There’s wonder in his voice “You heard the pirate ship co”

I nod, look at the baby, back at hie of the sleepdisk and touch her back, softly, as she sleeps “Well, both of us” I look at her soft blonde hair covering her little face

“You saved us froravelly “Our ship is strong, and we could have fought and won But you prevented us fro”

“I was connected to you” I offer a wobbly smile But my stomach flips

“You’re safe? You’re healthy?” Gorde sits besideand large his fingers are co him hold my hands But now I’m full of anxiety

Are they here to say goodbye?

“I am They had to cut her out” I lift my tunic to show the incision “But like Dr Daneth said, I’ll recover” I act like this is no big deal In fact it’s not: so s have happened since then It was a o already