Vadim PoV
I stared at Amelia's head as she finally fell asleep again. She seemed to have more things on her shoulders these days, even as the civil war back home drew to its end.
My eyes moved to the window. The starry night sky of the desert. A few of the brighter stars were visible over the rooftops.
What if Amelia's worries weren't for anything? I didn't want her and our kids to suffer like Amaya and Raiki did after they lost Raikū. The thought sent a chill through me.
I pulled her closer, my arms wrapping around her protectively. The world outside felt cold and distant. But here, in this small space, with her in my arms, I felt a sense of purpose, a reason to fight.
Closing my eyes, I tried to empty my mind of the worries and fears. I focused on the warmth of her body against mine, the steady rhythm of her breathing, the soft scent of her hair.
***
