He stroked her forehead gently. "How are you feeling this morning, angel?" Elina furrowed her brow and shivered beneath the covers. She spoke weakly. "I'm so cold, father." "It's no wonder," he said. "You've left the window open again." Terek walked over and pulled the shutters closed. He was certain he'd locked them the night before. "I had such dreams, father. The shadows came alive and whispered things to me. Such terrible, frightening things." She shuddered and closed her eyes. "The shadows," she murmured. "The whispers..." "Any better?" she asked. "No," he said softly. "But what? Tell me." ---