Chapter 16: Chapter 16 - Death's Shroud

Laci woke refreshed and ready to start a new day as the aroma of her mother’s waffles filled the house. Knowing her mother, the matriarch of the Valentine family had probably been awake since the sun cracked the horizon, getting a head start on her day. Laci had only been staying with her mother and Jayden for a couple of weeks, but already she felt as if she was truly home. She closed her eyes, savoring the feel of the fresh sheets under her, the soft pillow on which her head pressed down as she stretched out her arms, not touching anyone else. God, she had missed sleeping on clean sheets and a quiet room and… She took a deep breath. She missed sleeping in her own bed. While it was true she had her own bed at Rhychard’s, the house was rarely ever quiet, the faerie realm using it almost like a way station for the next adventure. She missed Rhychard, but she didn’t miss the chaos of his life. This was her life now, and she would soak in every moment.