"Are you sure about this?"
Emily asked softly, cradling the tiny bundle in her arms like it was the most precious gem in the world.
"I've got this weird pit in my stomach, mother. A gnawing itch, like something's off. I can't just sit here and knit baby socks while they're out there dealing with God-knows-what. I have to go help them."
Alice replied, tugging her thick cloak tighter around her shoulders.
The weight of it felt nothing compared to the weight on her chest.
Her baby, thank the stars, was still peacefully sleeping, all snuggled up, with that little mouth making soft suckle motions in dreamland.
She was so, so glad for that.
Because if he had seen her leave, if he had stretched out those tiny arms toward her with that look, that why-mama look... she would've crumbled on the spot.
Alice was strong.
She'd fought demons, monsters, and a king or two.
But when it came to her baby, she was a damn puddle.
