Page 13 of Firefly

Simon raced up the stairs, finding Rebecca still asleep, and placed Sarah into the crib beside her bed. He pulled the soft yellow blanket up, tucked her in, and set her stuffed cat beside her.

When her eyes drifted closed, Simon left the room, going down to meet Alexander and whatever awaited him tonight.

Chapter 10

Rebecca

Rebecca’s lids were heavy, and her skull felt as though it might split in two. She had woken only long enough to drink tea and warm broth and provide instructions to the house manager, Alice, on proper care of Sarah before falling into a deep sleep.

She knew it had been days, and somewhere, under the haze of drugs and her own body’s weakness, terror for Sarah shot through her.

Her father had never taken so much blood before. Never drained her to the point of unconsciousness. And while some part of her hoped it meant he would not need more for some time, another part of her feared he would be draining Sarah of her life while she was too weak to protect her.

When she tried to lift her lids a second time, they came open, sticky at the edges, and she rubbed at them. It was late afternoon, and deep orange streaked the sky, threatening violence in the coming days.

“Mama.”

The sweet sound of Sarah’s voice made her chest ache, and she turned her head to find Sarah standing in her crib, staring over the lip. She reached her tiny hands out for Rebecca, silently asking to snuggle.

Rebecca propped herself on one elbow, feeling the lingering effects of whatever drugs her father had administered, and took a few steadying breaths before she sat up. She reached for the child, pulling her into the crook of her arm, and let her nestle in beside her, breathing in her sweet scent.

Sarah lifted one hand, casting the room in iridescent light as a kaleidoscope of butterflies danced overhead. Fear ran icy tendrils down Rebecca’s spine as she wrapped her hand over Sarah’s.

“No. Baby, you can’t use your magic.”

Sarah sniffled, a tear threatening to break free from her lashes.

“Oh, sweet girl, I’m not mad at you. I only want to keep you safe. You can never show your magic to anyone. Will you promise your mama?”

Sarah’s watery eyes blinked several times, and a fat tear slid down her cheek, but she nodded. Rebecca wasn’t entirely certain she understood, but she would remind her every day until she did.

“Are you hungry, sweet girl?” Sarah nodded once more, and Rebecca slid her legs over the side of the bed, needles pricking the bottoms of her feet. “Stay here. I’ll get us something to eat, okay?”

She scooted forward, pressing her palms into the firm mattress, standing on shaky legs. The room spun precariously, but she took several steadying breaths before stepping forward. Pain shot up her calf and she collapsed to the floor, rubbing her spasming leg.

“Damn,” she seethed.

It was fully dark, and she could just make out the light filtering up from several floors below. Gritting her teeth, she pushed off the ground, stamping her foot to ease the pain.

Warmth enveloped her as strong arms came around her and breath tickled her ear.

“I’ve got you.”

Rebecca’s heart thrummed in her chest as electricity sparked everywhere he touched her, and feelings of deep longing mingled with guilt flooded her.

She gasped, pulling out of his touch. “What’s happening?”

Simon leaned with her, wrapping an arm around her waist. “You’re weak and tired, but you need to eat. Let me help you.”

“Would you get Sarah?”

At her words, he released her, lifting Sarah from her crib and spinning her in a circle before cradling her in one arm. Then he was back at Rebecca’s side, wrapping his free arm around her waist.

She let him lead her, taking the stairs slowly, until they stopped beside a chair in the kitchen and she sat. Those feelings of longing and guilt evaporated, her mind clearing once more.

She looked up, meeting his amber eyes. “Simon, I’m so sorry. I had no idea my father was…” The words died on her lips as he handed Sarah to her and she settled the child on her lap.

Simon brought a plate and silverware to the table, setting them down in front of them and sliding into the chair beside her. “You need to eat.”

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