Chapter 14
The house grew quiet as the moon climbed higher into the clear night sky, casting silver beams across Lily’s bedroom floor. Lily was tucked snugly beneath her pink quilt, her eyelids fluttering as the weariness of the day finally caught up with her. Elena sat on the edge of the mattress, holding a worn copy of a classic fairy tale book, reading the familiar words in a soft, soothing whisper. The room smelled faintly of lavender and baby powder, a stark contrast to the cold, echoing marble of the hotel ballroom where their ordeal had begun just days ago. When she finished the final page, Elena closed the book softly and set it on the nightstand. She leaned down and pressed a long, tender kiss to Lily’s forehead. "Goodnight, my little star," Elena whispered. "Goodnight, Mommy," Lily murmured sleepily, already drifting off to dreamland. Elena stood up slowly, making sure the nightlight was plugged firmly into the wall before turning off the overhead fixture. She left the bedroom door cracked open just an inch, casting a warm sliver of light across the darkened hallway. Walking down the hall toward her own room, Elena felt a profound sense of peace settle deep into her bones, knowing that no matter what storms came their way, they would face them together and stand unyielding.
