Chapter 11

Alaria

I shouldn’t have been outside, and I knew it.

“Nasia slowed down. You know that it cannot run.” I said, watching as my daughter ran to play. This was the first time that she's been out since we got here. I knew that you would be energetic, but I did not expect her to be that energetic.

“But Mama, look, there is butterflies and there are trees everywhere.” She said, and I laughed.

My side burned with every step I took, the wound barely healed enough to bear my weight without a wince. But I knew that she needed the fresh air and I was going to stay by her side. I did not want her to be alone, nor did I want to stop her.

I walked slowly, hand pressed to my ribs, breathing through the ache. “Just be careful, do not go too far.”

“Careful child,” I heard her voice, making me frown. “Do you not see?”

“I'm sorry.” Anastasia said, and I glared at her as she walked towards me.

“She's a child. She was running. I belie