The gates of the stronghold loomed ahead, torches flickering against the cold night as our horses galloped through the entrance. The child in my arms barely stirred, her body limp with exhaustion, her shallow breaths the only reassurance that she was still holding on.
The moment we passed through the gates, a pair of sentries rushed forward. One of them hesitated, his gaze flickering between us and the soot-covered girl.
"My lady—"
"Send for the healers," I ordered, my voice sharper than I intended. "Now."
The guard snapped into action, sprinting toward the inner keep. Lucian dismounted in one swift motion, his gaze locked onto me as he reached up.
"Here."
I hesitated for only a breath before passing the girl to him. His hands were steady, careful, as if she were something fragile. She whimpered, curling instinctively against his chest, but he murmured something low under his breath, something that made her tiny fingers unclench just slightly.
