If you like music while you read, try "All For You" from The Light the Heat while reading this chapter. It's the song I wrote this chapter to (thanks Janell_Apple!) Also… to connect with me on social media, or to get advance notice of the NEW Anima book coming 2022, go to linktr.ee/authoraimee.
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ELIA
Elia crept into the Great Room only to find Elreth asleep in the basket—on the floor, which made her heart squeeze, because Reth knew how she hated leaving Elreth up high even if she was a lion cub. Her daughter's cheeks were pink and she had one hand curled up under her chin.
Elia almost cried at the beauty of her. But she couldn't let herself get distracted. So she tiptoed out of the Great Room towards the kitchen. Reth must have gone to the bathing pools. And maybe that was good. It certainly couldn't hurt.
The door creaked a little, so she was careful opening it, hoping not to wake Elreth as she slipped into the dark cavern.
