Celine struggled to believe her child had not survived.
She held the small body close, staring at the peaceful face as if sheer will could reverse what had already been decided. The baby’s features were still, the lips slightly parted, the skin already cooling against her own. She brushed a trembling finger over the small cheek and felt nothing answer her touch.
A thought rose unbidden. Had Aria done something she did not know about? The question turned over in her mind, searching for a crack in the wall of protection she had built. She had tightened the security. Guards had stood at every door and corridor. Aria had not been able to approach.
The knowledge brought no comfort.
The child was still gone.
The Luna sat beside her. “Celine, my dear…”
“Don’t.” Celine looked up, her eyes
