The limpid drumming of crystal tears hitting the small patio door that adjourned Raven's bedroom door was enthralling. They were deep and meaningful, like the loving words of a mother's bedtime prayer for her new newborn babe. It washed over them in kinetic waves, leaving behind an untouchable flush of serenity, along with a dash of fulfilment that he hadn't even been aware was missing from his life until this precise moment.

They sat by the door, his back to Raven's chest, a soft mink blanket cocooning them. The darkness of the room, broken only by the distant glow of the ballerina alarm clock Ronan had once bought the big...