"Mama..."
The word suddenly pierced through the chaos like an arrow to my heart. My entire being shivered. I broke free from Damien and immediately turned around.
Through the trees, small figures emerged. Their little feet pounded against the ground, their cries filling the morning breeze.
Marcus was in the lead. His tiny fists clenched as he skidded to a halt between me and my mates. Even though his legs trembled violently, even though his little chest heaved, he threw his arms out, standing as a shield.
"Don't you dare hurt my Mama!" he shouted.
Behind him, Ksaver followed closely. His hands shook, but his stance tightened as he, too, spread his arms protectively.
"You'll have to kill us first before you can touch our Mama..."
Daemond, meanwhile, ran straight to me, throwing his arms around my waist, burying his face in my stomach.
"Mama!" he sobbed. "Did they hurt you? Are you okay?"
