Ylva's words hung in the air, "I'll wait for news at sunset, you're free to go," as she departed, leaving Sapphire and her son.
Sapphire's heart jumped as she heard her son's cough, a cough that sent chills down her spine. He was coughing out blood, and in that moment, a mother's instinct kicked in. She scooped Zeriel into her arms, her wings fluttering with urgency. "I'll save you, my son. Let's go home," she whispered, determination in her voice as she cradled him and took to the sky.
