The floor rose toward me. Dante caught me before my knees struck the tile. I fought him with every fragment of strength left in my body.The floor rose toward me. Dante caught me before my knees struck the tile. I fought him with every fragment of strength left in my body.

silver hair had come loose from its bun. Blood ran from a cut above her eyebrow.
Lily was strapped against her chest beneath a dark wool shawl.
Mama!
The sound that left me was not a word.
I ran.
Pain disappeared.
The room disappeared.
Only Lily remained.
I took her into my arms and pressed my face into her warm curls.
She smelled of smoke, milk, and the lavender continue reading …