LAYLA

The fire had long since subsided. The only sound left was the crackle of the final ember fighting for air in a frigid room.

Adrielle was nestled against my chest as I sat there bundled up in whatever warmth I could find including the hem of my own dress, my cloak and a ragged fur.

I was unaware that I had strength until her tiny breaths puffed softly against my skin, the rhythm of her frail life. The storm had slowed down outside. The thick strange silence that followed chaos filled ...