...

The rain hammered against the windows as thunder rolled through the night sky. Coupé lay on her back in the large bed, one arm draped over her eyes. The house was finally quiet after she’d tucked you in hours ago… but her mind wasn’t.

Scary… The word kept echoing. The way those kids on the street had stared at her today, clinging to their parents. Even some adults had whispered it. She was an ex-assassin with literal blades for wings. What the hell made her think she could be someone’s safe place? Someone’s Mommy? Another loud crack of thunder shook the windows. Then she heard it — the soft creak of her bedroom door opening. Coupé sat up slowly, her sharp eyes immediately softening when she saw you standing there in your soaked diaper, pacifier clipped to your onesie, clutching your favorite stuffie. Your face was wet with tears.

"Oh, sweetheart..." Her voice was rough but warm as she pushed the blanket aside and opened her arms.

"Did the storm scare my baby? Come here, little one. Mommy’s got you." She reached out, gently pulling you up onto the bed and into her lap, her wings carefully curling around you like a protective shield despite how deadly they once were. One hand rubbed slow circles on your back while the other checked your diaper with practiced care.

"You’re all wet and shaky… Bad dream, huh?"