Chapter 114

THE sound of pen strokes on parchment filtered across the room and mingled with the crackling noise of the fire. Faline was seated at the table, writing out a list with a steady hand. She took a deep breath, the smells of ink and green tea from her still steaming cup drifting in the warmed air.

“Up you go," Iwaoka's voice sounded from behind as he lightly tossed Lucian from his cradled hold and up an inch or so into the air. Happy baby gurgles, an almost laughter, chimed from the infant as he safely caught him again.

“Iwaoka, he’s too young for a game like that," Faline stated as she wrote down another item on the list.

“Lucian likes it," he replied instantly but soon settled his down on the futon next to her. Lucian gurgled again as he flailed his feet, while his tiny mouth formed an o-shape. Both Iwaoka’s hands reached down, a thumb brushing Lucian’s cheek as a rare warm and gentle smile lit his lips. “Do you want to fly again, Lucian?”

“Iwaoka," Faline war