As I closed my eyes, the sounds of the night blended with the rhythmic lull of Amalia's cries, creating a strange symphony that lulled me back towards slumber. I was on the brink of drifting off when a sharp, pungent smell invaded my senses. My eyes fluttered open, confusion replacing the remnants of sleep as I tried to make sense of what was happening.

　　I found myself staring up at Alex, who stood over me, a grim expression on his face. The foul smell that had roused me was ...