The night was still, a gentle breeze rustling through the trees surrounding the secluded house. Blake stood in the doorway of Celena's room, watching his daughter's peaceful slumber. Her small form rose and fell with each breath, unaware of the monumental task that lay ahead for her father.
Blake approached the bed silently, his vampiric grace allowing him to move without disturbing the sleeping child. He knelt beside her, brushing a stray lock of hair from her forehead. The gesture was so achingly familiar, reminding him of countless nights spent watching over both Celena and Rose.
"I'm going to bring your mummy back, sweetheart," he whispered, his voice barely audible even in the quiet room. "I promise you, I'll do whatever it takes."
