JAYNAYAH

The fire cracked behind me, swallowing the last blackened edge of the coat.

For a moment, no one moved.

Cassandra’s words stayed in the cold air between us.

Your mother is awake. And she’s asking for Jaynayah.

Mace’s hand was still at my back, but it changed. His fingers spread wider, his palm pressing through the fabric as if he could keep me anchored by touch alone.

“She asked for her?” His voice was low.

Cassandra nodded, her face pale in the firelight. “By name.”

The wind shifted, carrying smoke across the yard. It stung my eyes, but I did not blink.

The faint knock inside me came again....