CLARA'S POV
Crying out with alarm, I woke up to find myself clasped against a firm chest. Heat and spiced pine coated my skin, providing warmth through muscle, bone, and heart to my soul.
"I'm sorry," Taki murmured against my forehead, having walked in her dream with her. "Let it out, darling."
I shook my head even as the tears started to fall. He held me, whispering comforting words in languages I have never heard before. But felt to my bones. Finally, when I was finished, he brushed my hair off my forehead. "I'd kill him if he wasn't already dead," he said even though the softness of his voice failed to conceal the rage vibrating through his body.
I burrowed into his warmth. Into safety. "I didn't mind when my father died. But I do wish momma could have lived. Safe and happy instead of dying with him."
"I know, baby." He settled the covers more securely around us. "Go to sleep, Clara. I can protect you in your dreams now. Trust me."
