Chapter 9 - Legacy of Light
Lily walked over to us, holding a small velvet pouch—the same dark green velvet pouch she had carried out of the warehouse fire ten years ago.
She pulled out the tiny brass key engraved with the letter M.
"Julian?" Lily asked gently.
"Yes, sweet pea?"
"I want to leave this at the medical center today," Lily said, her dark hazel eyes clear and filled with wisdom beyond her years. "In the display case at the entrance of the Madeline Ross Center."
I looked at the key—the small piece of brass that had saved my daughter's life, destroyed a corrupt empire, and brought Hannah into my world.
"Why there, Lily?" I asked softly.
Lily looked at the key, then looked up at me and Hannah with a radiant, loving smile.
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"Because," Lily said gently, "I want every frightened child who walks through those hospital doors to know that no matter how dark the fire gets... there is always a key that unlocks the door to safety."
I felt a warm tear trace down my cheek, but I didn't wipe it away. I pulled my daughter into my arms, holding her tight against my heart, while Hannah wrapped her arms around us both.
