[This post is from Neve’s point of view.]
Neve stroked his cheek for a moment with her thumb, staring into his eyes. There was love and fear and hope in his gaze, nervousness that she could understand, uncertainty that she felt, too. Somehow, they would make it, but the question, as always, would be how.
Artorius made a snuffling sound, a precursor to waking. Cameron smiled at her and turned his face just enough to kiss her palm.
“Someone’s about to announce that he’s hungry,” he murmured. Neve smiled.
“He’s not the only one that’s hungry, but I guess I’ll have to wait a little while longer.”
“Do you want me to go find you something?”
She shook her head, then looked down. Artorius squirmed in his swaddle, face scrunched, likely about to cry. She brushed her finger against his cheek and he turned toward it, expression easing and his mouth reaching for her fingertip. Neve smiled.
“I’d rather you stay,” she said as she adjusted herself and her son slightly, bringing him to her breast before he was fully awake. “Someone’s going to come check on us sooner or later, and when they do, we can send them for food—for both of us. You haven’t eaten yet, either, have you?”
“I ate a little while you were asleep,” he admitted. “Seamus spelled me for about half an hour.”
Neve arched a brow. “He was here?”
He didn’t wake me. How did I not realize he’d been here? Why didn’t he wake me?
Cameron nodded, still seated on the edge of the bed. “Early, though after the sun came up. He looked exhausted—hadn’t been to bed yet, I guess. I tried to be quick so he could try to get some rest. Not sure if he did or not, though.”
She exhaled, brows knitting. “I’ll have to talk to him.”
“Later,” Cameron said, shifting their daughter in his arms. “It can wait. I’m hoping he got some sleep.”
“Me, too,” Neve said, then sighed. “What about Hecate? Has she been here?”
“Not since she left last night,” Cameron said. “She looked pretty worn out by the time it was all over. I hope Matt made sure she got some rest.”
“I’m sure he did.” Neve sighed softly, closing her eyes for a moment. “I’m glad she was here.”
“Me too,” Cameron murmured. “Despite everything we went through before with her, I’m glad she was here, too.”
