flash

The cold February wind felt like broken glass against my skin as I stood frozen on the frost-bitten lawn. The silver charm sat in Emma's tiny, steady palm—glinting under the pale winter sun like a drop of fresh blood. / Chapter 9 / 20

Chapter 9 - A New DawnIsabella didn't wait. With a determined gasp, she let go of the bedpost.

She took one shaky, awkward step forward. Then a second.

Before I could stand up to catch her, she tumbled forward straight into my arms. I caught her tightly, pulling her small, warm body against my chest as if I could weld her to my soul and never let her go again.

"I've got you, baby," I sobbed into her soft blond curls, kissing her forehead over and over again. "I've got you. Daddy's right here. Nobody will ever hurt you again."

"Mommy was right," Isabella whispered against my shoulder, her little arms wrapping tightly around my neck. "She said you would protect me, and she said my legs would dance again when the time was right."

I held her closer, closing my eyes as the morning light began to peek through the tall mansion windows, casting a golden glow over the hallway.

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