Teaser for my new book...
It was past midnight when the youngest Martin's door was opened softly, cautious not to make any sound.
Light footsteps could be heard making their way to where Maeva laid on the bed and stopping.
The eldest Martin looked down at her for a long moment. He carressed her cheek absentmindedly, as he stared at every inch of her face.
His face softened as he compared the face of present Maeva to the three-year-old he remembered.
A small, almost unnoticable crease formed between his brows when he saw her slightly shiver.
With a quiet exhale, he bent down. One arm slid beneath her shoulders, the other under her knees, lifting her with practiced ease, as if she weighed nothing at all. She stirred faintly, a soft sound leaving her throat, her body tensing instinctively.
"Shh," Raphael murmured, his voice low and firm, close enough that she could feel the vibration of his voice more than hear it. "It's alright."
She relaxed almost immediately. Raphael set her down carefully and drew the duvet up around her, tucking it in with deliberate precision, making sure she was warm.
"Sleep," He said quietly.
He stayed there for another heartbeat before allowing himself to leave.