The answer came too easily. Too quickly. As though she herself wanted to believe it.
Lira and Sera exchanged a brief glance, then returned their attention to their duties. The curtains were drawn wider, morning light flooding the chamber, yet it failed to chase away the shadows on Valerie's face.
Her hand drifted unconsciously to her stomach. There was a small movement there gentle, real something that held her rooted in this place, and at the same time urged her to leave.
Valerie closed her eyes for a moment.
She knew… it wasn't only her belly that had kept her awake all night.
That morning, Valerie woke with the sensation of having walked a great distance even though her body had never left the bed.
