Claudia Ross dared not sleep, guarding against Louis like against a wolf.
Only when Louis succumbed to the effects of alcohol and fell asleep by the fireplace did she finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Her tense nerves relaxed, her body went soft, and she closed her eyes right next to Giana.
Louis, hearing Claudia Ross's breathing become long and steady, sat up, poured himself another cup of milk wine, and drank it all in one go.
After Claudia Ross had fallen into a deep sleep, Louis tiptoed to the bedside, sat on the floor, and watched her and Giana.
He whispered, "Goodnight, Giana!"
The next day, when Claudia Ross opened her eyes, she was startled to find Louis sleeping by the bed. She hurriedly felt her clothes.
Relieved that her clothes were still properly on, she relaxed.
Louis and Giana looked very much alike, especially when asleep; both harmless as any creature, father and son sharing thick, lush eyelashes that made them look like dolls.
