He held her son in the crook of his arms, his head tilted to the side as he stared at her with something close to fascination.
“I promise. He will be safe.”
Her knees buckled in relief and he wrapped an arm around her waist, holding her steady with one hand while holding her baby with another. The support of his strong arm broke her then. She began to sob hysterically into the chest of this strange man, holding onto the lapels of his jacket, crying for everything she was losing and the unexpected support she had found.
“What’s your name, flamma?” he asked her softly, and she looked up at him, surprised at the word he'd used, not knowing what he meant.
“Lyla.”
“Endless night.”
Is that what it meant? Endless night? Fuck if it didn't fit her life.
A shout from the woods made her straighten urgently.
“Please leave," she urged the stranger. "Take him. Now!”
Her eyes flitted to the round face peeking from the blankets, agony searing her as she leaned down to kiss his cheeks again, not knowing if she would ever see him again, not knowing what his fate would be but trusting the only choice she had.
“Be safe, little Xander," she murmured against his soft cheeks. "Be strong. Be loved, my beautiful baby.”
The man stayed still for a long second, watching her as she said her goodbye, before turning on his heel and walking into the darkness with the only thing she loved in the world.