#Chapter 35: A Child In the Window

Panic struck through me. Adrenaline surged through my veins. Seeing Elva hanging from that window took years off my life. I rushed forward at once, forgetting the Luna now behind me – forgetting all else. My child was in danger! As I ran closer, I held out my arms, ready to catch her if she fell. Nicholas was already in action, climbing up the vine-covered trellis set alongside the palace walls. “Hold on, Elva!” he called up to her. “I’m almost there.” “Nick-lass!” Her sharp, frightened cry pierced into my heart. Tears stained her cheeks as she looked down at him. “Hurry, Nicholas!” I wanted to join him, but I feared too much weight would destroy the trellis. It already creaked under his weight alone. Suddenly, another figure appeared in the window, trying to grab her. She shuffled as best she could away from those grabby hands. At first I felt relief. Someone was there! They would save her! But then I noticed those hands weren’t trying to pull her up. They were