Chloe’s pov
The humid mist inside the sanctuary cavern smelled of damp stone, moss, and burning lantern oil.
Dozens of townspeople crouched in small groups along the wide granite ledges, their whispering voices echoing against the high vaulted ceiling. Children huddled beneath wool blankets while elders checked their supplies of dried meat and water.
Behind the roaring curtain of the waterfall at the entrance, Ted stood watch on the stone ledge, his hand never leaving the hilt of his short blade. Jill sat beside Lisa near the back alcove, gently rocking Harley on her lap.
"She's finally asleep," Jill whispered, smoothing a stray dark curl away from Harley's forehead. "Poor sweet girl was exhausted."
I knelt beside them, my hand gently resting on Harley's small back as her chest rose a
