Chapter 154 - Honey and Cinnamon (2)

Nadia shifts Shino carefully into her arms, feeling the small weight of her settle against her chest. The little girl is astonishingly light, almost too light, like she could simply float away if Nadia loosened her grip. Shino doesn't struggle or fuss; she only stares quietly at Nadia with her wide, dark eyes, expression unreadable. As Nadia cradles her closer, a strange sensation prickles under her skin, running the length of her spine. It’s a familiar feeling; one she hasn't felt in a long time. It’s the stirring of the deity, who’d been dormant for years now, beginning to rouse within her.