Maelis POV

“Maelis!”

Anna screamed at the top of her little voice as she rushed inside the room. She jumped on me almost immediately, cooing like she was going to melt right into my arms.

I couldn't help but pull the little one closer despite myself. The warmth of her small body was grounding.

She clung to me for a while, just breathing, before she pulled away, looking up at me with big, worried eyes.

“Are you sick?” she asked, tilting her head. “Daddy said you're not feeling fine and wouldn't let me come see you.”

“Your daddy?” I asked. That was the only word that rang in my ears...