AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I love Sierra too much to let anything happen to her,” he said, like it was as simple as that.
And maybe it was. We’d overcome a lot of impossible challenges together.
“There will always be threats to our daughter,” he told me. “It’s our job not only to protect her, but to make sure she enjoys a happy life, surrounded by the people who love her.”
“You’re right.” I walked up to Sierra, crouching down until we were eye to eye. She’d managed to pull on a dress, and it wasn’t even inside out. “Are you ready to party?”
A big grin curled her lips, and then she set off fireworks in the bedroom.
Nero quickly put out the various small fires. “I do believe she’s ready.”
9
THE PARTY
“Whoa,” I gasped as Nero, Sierra, and I entered the ballroom.
Tessa had really outdone herself. The babies’ birthday party was a glamorous event fit for an angel. It felt like we’d just stepped into a fairytale forest.
The ballroom’s stone columns had been transformed. They now looked like trees. Flowering vines, laden with white and pink peonies, coiled around their rippled trunks. The blossoms slowly stretched out their petals, filling the air with the flowers’ sweet, delicate perfume.
Living branches and fairy lights crisscrossed the leafy canopy ceiling. I could even hear a few birds up there, concealed within the vibrant foliage.
“Angel!” Sierra squealed in delight.
Our cat stopped batting at a strand of lights, then looked at her. And I could have sworn I heard Angel sigh before she planted her bottom on the velvet-soft grass floor and waited for the inevitable.
Sierra launched herself out of Nero’s arms, shooting up to the ceiling before angling her sky-dive straight at the cat.
“Poor Angel,” I chuckled as baby and cat rolled across the floor in a tangle of fur and feathers, meows and giggles.
Practical as always, Nero pointed out, “Your cat wrestles with lions, Pandora. I’m sure she can handle an enthusiastic little angel who only wants to hug her.”
“I hope you’re right.” I looked away from Sierra, who was now riding Angel like a pony. “Let’s go wish happy birthday to the other birthday babies.”
Cadence and Damiel were standing beside the snacks table with little Eira, Nero’s sister. Eira was Sierra’s best friend and also—dare I say it—her partner in crime. Sierra loved Eira so much that she even abandoned her riding session with the cat.
“Eira,” Sierra said, flying over on her silver-again wings.
“Sierra.” Eira fluttered her wings, an even mixture of black and white feathers. She had her mother’s hair and her father’s eyes.
Damiel leaned down and smiled at Sierra. “Set anything on fire lately, little one?”
“Don’t encourage her, Damiel,” I sighed.
“It’s a little late for that, Leda,” he replied, still smiling.
Sierra and Eira stood facing each other, taking turns snapping their fingers. With each snap! a flame flickered to life on their fingers, and they giggled.
My mouth dropped. “Wait, so you are the one who taught Sierra to set things on fire?”
“Of course not.”
I wasn’t sure I believed him.
“Grandpa!” Sierra cried out. “Pancakes!”
“See?” Damiel turned to me with a satisfied smirk. “When I babysit the girls, we just enjoy pancakes.”
