Chapter 17: Little Sapphire
The little girl was surprisingly fast for her age—darting through the moonlit courtyard like a startled rabbit, white hair streaming behind her like a comet's tail.
But unbeknownst to her, Dax had already moved.
In an instant, he appeared behind her—silent, effortless—and scooped her up with one smooth motion.
"Where are you going, little bunny?" he asked, voice playful, almost gentle.
"Do you want to play with your Grand-Uncle?"
The little girl's face turned pale as moonlight.
She let out a frightened squeal and kicked her small legs furiously—tiny feet thumping harmlessly against his arm.
"Put me down, Grand-Uncle!" she cried, lips pushing into a trembling pout, eyes already glistening with the threat of tears.
Confused, Dax gently set her on the ground—careful, almost hesitant—brushing imaginary dust from her small robes with unexpected tenderness.
"Don't cry, Little Sapphire," he coaxed, voice softening in a way that surprised even him.
