As always, being wrapped in Sebastian's arms and held made her feel infinitely more secure. Breathing out a sigh, Marabelle rested her forehead against his chest, listening to the rumble of his voice as he spoke and taking in his familiar scent. Nodding once in agreement, she felt the soft tug from her husband as he led her down the hall leading to their bedroom. The flickering glow from Alice's room drew her attention and she paused to watch the movement of Jack's shadow as he watched over her daughter. "One moment..." She whispered, pulling away from her husband to pad barefoot down to the other end of the hall. "If you need anything," Marabelle started as she peeked into the room, realizing instantly that she probably startled the boy, "I'll be just down the hall." With a final glance at her daughter's beaten face, she gave Jack a soft smile and retreated back to the safety of her husband's arms. ------------------------------------------------------ Resting his cheek against the top of Josephine's head, Elijah took in what Josephine was saying. "Knowing my sister, she had something to do with the severity of the treatment she got." He said on a sigh, "Not that it gave the men the go ahead to beat her like they did..." Although he was a little shocked to hear from her that she wished a speedy recovery for Alice, it made him smile. Running his hand up and down her bare arm, he straightened and prepared to stand. "Come on, let's get inside. I'm sure Alice will wake us all if she needs anything." Looking down at the woman he had his arm around, Elijah's heart gave a heady thump and threatened to crawl up into his throat.