[Headquarters, 9:09 PM]
With the last notes of the lullaby fading into silence, Ryley bent down and pressed a lingering kiss against Rosaline's temple.
He breathed in the fruity scent of her hair, holding it for a moment as though he already knew how much he would miss her.
"I love you, Rosie," he whispered, his voice threatening to break. "You're a strong girl. Your brother is entrusted to you…"
The words nearly collapsed beneath the weight of his emotions. Ryley swallowed them back and kissed her forehead again, softer this time.
"Dormi bene, amore mio."
He drew a shaky breath and forced himself to steady his trembling heart before pulling the blanket gently over her.
Then he rose from the bed.
His hollow gaze lingered on her peaceful face as he picked up the new map of the Passing Realm—the hurried "baby guide" Maximilian had managed to prepare for him in such a short time.
