Strax pulled the blanket up to Vex's shoulders and adjusted a strand of hair that had fallen across his daughter's face. The little girl lay in a bed far too large for her size, surrounded by pillows and small stuffed animals. A lamp made of ice crystals softly illuminated the room, casting bluish reflections across the walls.
Vex was still holding his hand.
"Daddy, are you leaving tomorrow?" Vex asked, struggling to keep her eyes open.
Strax smiled and sat on the edge of the bed.
"No, princess. I'll stay for a few more days," Strax replied, gently stroking her hair.
Vex seemed satisfied.
"Then can I show you the magic Mommy still hasn't let me learn?" Vex asked, squeezing her father's fingers.
Strax raised an eyebrow.
"That depends. Why hasn't your mother let you learn it?" Strax asked, watching the innocent smile that appeared on the little girl's face.
"Because she said freezing an entire mountain is dangerous," Vex replied, making a little face.
Strax stared at her.
