*Rhys*

Light streamed in through the curtains, the rays soft with early morning essence. I shifted carefully in bed, trying desperately not to wake the young woman tucked against my side.

Saoirse stirred but didn’t wake up, continuing to breathe deeply and evenly as she slumbered on. My chest constricted as I looked down at her, wishing that I could shield her from all the cruelty and darkness of the world.

It was not that I saw her as weak. In fact, it was far ...