Kael Draven

Elara didn’t go out immediately that morning. Instead, she dozed off again in my arms—warm, peaceful, and quiet. By the time I woke up, the sun was already high in the sky. She was still curled up against my chest, half her face hidden, then she lifted her head and nudged my neck softly.

“I want to learn how to shoot,” she whispered, her voice husky and sweet. “Starting with a pistol. You’ll teach me. Now.”

Her request made me smile. Of course, we had guns ready at ...