Avanya sucked in a sharp breath, snapping herself back to the present. Her fingers trembled around Sumaya's doorknob. The knob turned quietly under her grip, and she stepped inside.
The soft glow from the nightlight bathed the small room in a warm hue. Sumaya was curled up on her bed, her breathing slow and even, dark lashes fanned against her cheeks. The sight was both a balm and a torment to Avanya's frayed nerves.
Avanya's chest tightened, a crushing weight of guilt and regret settling over her. Each breath felt like a struggle against the tide of emotions threatening to overwhelm her.
She had sworn to protect Sumaya. Had vowed to keep her safe from the horrors of this world. And yet, she had failed.
For years, she had convinced herself that waiting was the safest course of action. That patience would shield Sumaya from the darkness closing in around them. But what had it cost? Every delay, every moment of hesitation had taken its toll.
