Chapter 27

Alaria

I didn’t stop holding her.

I couldn't, especially after being deprived from her for the first time in my life. Especially since I found out what it was Not to have her around me, not to have her in my arms, not to sleep with her by my side. Not to know how she was, whether or not she was eating. I just couldn't let her go.

Even after the door slammed shut behind him, even after his heavy footsteps faded down the corridor, I kept my arms wrapped tight around Anastasia as she cried into my chest. “They didn't want to bring me, Mama. I asked them. I told him I want you. I told them to go away. They did not go away.”

Her little body trembled, her fists clinging to my dress like if she let go, she’d disappear too. As if she would wake up from a dream, more specifically into a nightmare that she did not want to be in.

“I’m here,” I murmured into her curls. “Mama’s here. You’re safe now. Nothing’s going to hurt you. No one is going