Months had passed, and Ariana grew more and more worried. She understood that wars were supposed to take time, but this one… it had been almost a year. Just two more months, and it would mark a full year.
The sun had already set, and the sky was beautiful and calm—a complete contrast to Ariana's heart right now.
She held her little one in her arms while Lady Leah prepared milk for her. Leah was at the table, pouring it into the feeding can, while Ariana stood by the window. Her baby, Anavren, stared up at her with silk-black hair and golden eyes that seemed to glow. Her hair had been growing faster than usual, and her eyes watched her mother intently, as if wondering where her mother's gaze was drifting. Ariana realized her baby was becoming smarter by the day.
"Ma…ma."
The soft little voice broke through Ariana's thoughts, and she snapped out of her daze. Her eyes widened as she realized her baby had been worried about her.
She let out a gentle laugh, still in disbelief.
