Chapter 70

• Lily's POV
• "It's okay, little one," Grandpa's warm, firm hand landed gently on my shoulder, reassuring and firm. "Go upstairs and take a hot shower. Look at you - soaked to the bone. It won't do you any good to catch a cold." His voice was like a ray of winter sunshine, full of caring that you just couldn't say no to.
• I nodded again and forced myself to breathe a little deep in my throat. Under everyone's protective gaze, I turned and shuffled towards the stairs that led to the second floor. Each step landed on the soft, warm carpet - and on the solid ground made of trust and protection.