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
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