Chapter 50:
The morning sun broke over the barren horizon, painting long shadows across the frost-bitten ground. Leo, strapped snugly to her chest, seemed to pick up on Kit’s unease. His tiny hand swatted aimlessly at the empty air before landing on Kit’s head. The boy had drifted close again, his small frame almost brushing against Zara’s leg as he clung to her side.
"Pat," Leo mumbled, his chubby fingers ruffling Kit’s hair clumsily. The toddler let out a delighted giggle, kicking his feet in excitement.
Kit beamed up at him, his face lighting up as though Leo’s clumsy affection had chased away all the shadows clinging to him since last night. "Hey, buddy," Kit said, his voice soft and full of warmth. "You like my hair, huh?"
Zara glanced down at him, her heart tightening. He had been more clingy since the incident. Not that she blamed him; she hadn’t been able to sleep properly either. After everything, who wouldn’t feel shaken? Still, her chest ached at the sight of his wide, earnest eyes and the way his hand clutched the edge of her coat like a lifeline.
Even now, his little fingers wrapped tightly around the edge of her jacket, his head barely reaching her elbow.
His small hand reached for hers at every opportunity, his voice peppering their quiet walks with questions or requests for reassurance. Zara never pushed him away; in fact, she squeezed his hand back each time, her heart aching with the knowledge that he needed her as much as she needed to protect him.
"You’re doing great," she said, resting a hand on Kit’s shoulder as they walked. "You’re looking out for everyone, just like a real protector."
Kit’s face lit up with pride. "I’m going to protect us, just like you do, Zara. I’ll keep Mia and Leo safe. I promise."
The sincerity in his voice nearly broke her. "You’re already doing that, Kit," she replied, her voice soft but firm. "And you’re going to keep getting better. You’re smart, and quick on your feet. You’ve got this."
He flushed with pride, his chest puffing out slightly. The sight made her smile despite the lingering tension in the air.
Zara turned her head slightly, catching the teenager’s shadowed expression. Mia’s eyes were on Kit, her jaw tight, but she said nothing. That tension had been lingering for days now. Zara had tried to include Mia more in their plans, their talks, even their quiet moments, but the girl always seemed to retreat into her shell just when Zara thought she was making progress.