Hey guys! Sorry for my month of nonexistence :3

This chapter is a bit of a downer, but the next one will be better, I promise :)

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the story!

There is a woman, a complete stranger, sitting on our bed. Seeing us, she jumps to her feet, a relieved look spreading across her face. It's then that I notice she is holding a small bundle. My previously angry face softens as I see that it is a small baby, a little boy. He has soft curly blonde hair, and piercing violet eyes. I then return my attention to the woman.

"Who are you, and what are you doing in our room?"

She sat down again, starting to cry softly.

"My name is Alicia Bowmark. This is Graysen Bowmark. His father is dead. I am dying. A demon attacked our home, killing my husband and daughter in the process. The demon's stinger lodged in my side, and I have 16 hours to live. I have heard of you two, and was told you are wonderful, caring people. Please, I beg of you, take Graysen and raise him as your own. The Clave has approved this plan, all they need is your consent. Please."

Tears rose to my eyes at the sad story, and I hastily wiped my eyes.

"Ja- Jace and I will talk about it, excuse us a minute."

I smiled kindly at the woman.

Jace and I stepped into the next room, shutting the door softly closing it behind us.

"Jace-"

"We should take the boy."

I threw my arms around him.

"I was hoping you'd think so."

"We do need to talk to her about money to at least help with raising the child, and his inheritance when he's older, and if she wants him to know he's adopted."

He added, always thinking ahead.

I nodded my agreement, and we stepped back into the room where Alicia was.

"Alicia,"

I began,

"We have decided that we will adopt Graysen. However,"

She gasped happily, her eyes still sparkling with tears, but there was a peace settled on her face now.

"However, we do need to work out a few technicalities."

"Of course."

She nodded.

"Anything you ask."

"One,"

Jace spoke up,

"Would you ever like Graysen to be informed of the fact that he is adopted?"

She pondered the question for a moment and then gave her reply.

"I think that you will know what is right. If you feel it would be right for him to know, please do tell him. If you feel that it would only wound him, or he could not handle it, I have no desire to do that to him."

Jace nodded, and I smiled at her.

"Two,"

I began,

"Do you have any inheritance set up for him?"

She nodded in confirmation.

"He will receive our home and moneys when he enters the adult world. We have it set up so that a large portion of the money will take care of college, and a small apartment for a few years. There will be $10,000 left for him to do what he chooses with, although I hope that you two will give him guidance."

I nodded my approval.

"Three,"

Jace spoke again,

"Is there any money set aside to help us with his infant needs?"

She shook her head apologetically.

"Unfortunately, that is one thing we didn't prepare for, I am terribly sorry."

I waved away her concerns.

"No worries, we will work it out."

"Just a few more things we have to ask."

She nodded again, wincing slightly as she touched her side.

"How old is he?"

"He is 10 months old, his birthday is August 12th. I have his birth certificate with me, along with his medical records."

She handed us a folder full of papers.

"Thank you, Alicia."

Jace kindly said to her.

"No. Thank YOU. I never want to have to die and leave him, but at least I know he will be given the best life possible with you two."

Tears started streaming down her face again, and I moved to hug her. Jace comfortingly rubbed her shoulder. Suddenly, a spasm rocked her body and she cried out in pain. I hastily took Graysen and gently deposited him in Jaeda's crib. Jace helped her lay down, both of us watching her concernedly. A look of peace overtook her face, and she relaxed.

"Te..tell Graysen, if you so choose, I loved him more than he could ever know, and that I will always be with him. Thank you both, so much."

A smile slid onto her lips, and her eyes fluttered shut, her last breath leaving her nose.

Even though I had only known this woman for an hour, I began to cry.

Jace gathered me into his arms, and together we mourned for the lost family, grateful that we could save one small child from a terrible fate.

So... what did you think? Let me know!

alicat