Layla refused to move from her son’s side the entire four days he spent sleeping. She did not sleep nor did she eat. The waiting was excruciating. She felt as if she could not breathe, as if an elephant was sitting on her chest. Her heart was in her knees. Her mind was frantic. Her only comfort was the steady stream of healers who were constantly monitoring Cassias.

It took a total of twenty-four hours for Alistar to make an appearance by Cassias’ side. Layla could not ...