Chapter 23. Dangerous

Caliana’s POV

“Thank you, sweetie,” I said softly, reaching out to caress Love’s warm cheek with the back of my fingers. Her skin was still sun-kissed from playing outside, and she smelled faintly of grass and wildflowers, a scent that always made my chest feel lighter.

“I made you a sign,” she announced proudly, then immediately deflated, her shoulders slumping a little. “But it wasn’t neat, so I threw it away.”

My heart clenched at her confession. I crouched slightly so we were eye level, making sure she could see how serious I was. “I would have loved it,” I told her honestly. “Even if it was messy. Especially if it was messy.”

Her face brightened at once, her eyes lighting up like I’d handed her a treasure instead of a few simple words. Moments like these reminded me why I tried so hard to keep myself toge