child that he doesn't see Blaise launch from the doorway until it's too late.

She jumps right on top of him, grabs his collar, and using her momentum, she rolls and flings him off the side of the bed. Claritia screams her distaste, frantically trying to keep Allerick from crying. Aurelia still sleeps soundly, making me like her even more. Levi, however, rushes to go help his favorite person, but I gently catch his arm.

"They're only play wrestling. It's alright. See, Blaise is laughing." He glances at them and then looks back at me with a doubtful expression. Okay, so her laugh is more maniacal than joyful, but it's still a laugh. "Why don't we go get that candy you were promised."

He perks up at that and I slide off the bed after him. Julyan and Siscilla appear in the doorway, both wide-eyed and looking ready to jump into the fight. I tell them no to stop Blaise from her fun and just make sure Claritia doesn't have a heart attack, and then obey Levi who's tugging on my arm begging to go get the candy with one last glance to my safety net. Siscilla yells something about giving Blaise a cold if she breaks one bone in his body, but Blaise just gives her a short snark and pins Thomas.

Best birthday present ever.