#Chapter 173: The Bones

Agnes I barely slept that night. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw her—my baby, alone and afraid in a dark cave. I imagined her cries echoing off the stone walls, growing fainter and fainter until they stopped altogether. By the time morning arrived, my eyes were swollen and my throat was raw. But I felt strangely determined, as if I might actually find something other than remains in that cave today. Elijah was already awake when I finally gave up on sleep. He had laid out my clothes for me—a pair of jeans, a tight-fitting tank top, and one of his sweaters. I couldn’t help but smile softly as I slipped it over my head and inhaled his scent. He knew how much I needed the extra comfort today without even having to ask, and I loved him even more for it. When I finally made my way down to the kitchen, my hair pulled back in a low messy bun, he was already waiting for me. “I made coffee,” he said by way of greeting, handing me a steaming mug and kissing me o