The sun is warm on your skin as you stand in the garden, but it does nothing to calm the knot of nerves twisting in your stomach. Your eyes are locked on the figures perched on the ledge just beyond the garden—Cassian and your daughter.

She’s barely two, her tiny wings fluttering with excitement as she stands beside him. You’ve watched her practicing inside for weeks now, flapping her wings and giggling when she managed to lift herself a few inches off the ground. But this... this is different.

Cassian had said she was ready. And maybe she is. But the thought of your baby in the sky, so small and vulnerable, makes your breath catch.

Cassian crouches beside her, his wings spread wide, his voice low and steady as he murmurs words of encouragement. His hands gently adjust the angle of her wings, his touch careful and patient. Her little brows furrow in concentration—so much like his when he’s focused—and your heart aches at the sight.

“Just like inside,” Cassian says softly. “Feel the wind. Let it lift you.” Her wings flutter again, lifting her tiny feet off the ground for a moment before she settles back down. Cassian smiles, his pride shining as he nods. “You’ve got this,” he murmurs.

Your breath catches as her wings beat harder, and this time... she lifts. Higher than ever before. She wobbles, her balance unsteady, and instinct urges you to move—to catch her. But Cassian is right there, his hands hovering, ready to grab her in an instant. For a heartbeat, she falters. Then she steadies. And she’s flying.

A delighted squeal echoes across the garden as she hovers just above the ground, her wings beating furiously. Cassian laughs softly, his expression full of awe and pride. “That’s my girl,” he murmurs, his voice thick with emotion.

Tears prick your eyes as you watch her, your heart pounding. Cassian glances back at you, his gaze soft and reassuring. “She’s okay,” he mouths. And you believe him.

Your baby is flying. And though fear grips you, it's beautiful watching her saw beside her father.