---- 263.


    MIRACLES DO EXIST NARRATOR Ss froze.


    He wasnt fond of physical contact unless it was with Sigrid, but he endured the embrace stoically and didnt act rudely.


    Despite the awkward moments, that afternoon, Ss reimed a small piece of his family.


    Still, deep inside, the only family he truly acknowledged was the woman by his side.


    All the love in his heart was for her.


    Everything else had withered away.


    Seizing a moment alone while his aunt dragged Sigrid to the kitchen to help with the afternoon tea, Ss approached the baby in the crib.


    The dark tattoos no longer stayed confined to the child''s face they were creeping, slowly consuming his tiny body.


    Ss extended two fingers, cing them on the babys forehead.


    Instantly, the dark magic writhed, resisting, fighting against being expelled The baby let out acry of pain.


    That malignant energy refused to leave, but Sss powermanded it to obey a new master.


    Sigrid cast an illusion to deceive the aunt so she wouldnt hear the childs cries.


    She could feel exactly what her mate was doing.


    Atst, a bubbling ck mist oozed from the babys forehead, ---- hesitating before being absorbed beneath Sss nails.


    Within his body, the energy was no longer a threat.


    The baby immediately stopped crying and drifted into the deepest sleep he had known since birth.


    The dark tattoos faded away, leaving only smooth, rosy skin behind.


    This child was no longer cursed with dark magic.


    He would live a long life, just like any other elemental.


    We''re leaving, Thank you.


    But...


    wait! I made cookies and tea...! Your uncle hasnt even returned from the fields yet! The woman called after them as she watched them leave so abruptly.


    She had wanted more time with the nephew she had miraculously recovered, to talk, to let her husband see that he was alive and well.


    We''ll visit another day! Sigrid waved as she was dragged down the street by her rude silver-hairedpanion.


    His social skills were a disaster, but this time, she understood why he did it.


    When his aunt closed the doorhesitant, saddenedshe stepped toward the crib to check on the baby.


    The poor thing was always restless, but now, he had been quiet for a while.


    CRACK! The tray fell to the floor, sending everything scattering across the rug.


    ---- She pped her hands over her mouth to keep from screaming, tears spilling as she stared at the now-healed babya miracle.


    And she knew very well where that miracle hade from.


    Still, just as she had protected this child in silence, she would protect her nephew as well, no matter what he was.


    see Were you able to cure him? Sigrid asked eagerly as they climbed the hillside.


    Tf I say yes, do I get a reward? Ss leaned toward her, amusement dancing in his eyes.


    Rewards, rewards! You only know how to ask and ask! Where''s my quiet, serious ve? Ive been swindled! Sheughed and yfully threw acorns at him.


    Ss dodged her attacks, grinning, before grabbing her and pulling her against him, pressing a kiss to her lips beneath the golden aftemoon sunwarm, beautiful, free.


    Lets hurry back before Grandma Mel wakes up.


    Sigrid kissed his nose, staring at him in fascination as he practically glowed with light.


    That old witch.


    She wanted me to sleep in the barn, away from you.


    Shes insane.


    Ss huffed, hauling the bundle of herbs over his back and carrying his Selenia in his armsrefusing to set her down.


    Sigrid rested her head on his shoulder.


    She knew this happiness wouldntst forever.