---- Thunder rumbled.


    Lightning streaked across the cave, shing wildly in the chaos.


    We were caught in the center, trapped in the eye of the storm, until the energy closed in and swallowed us whole.


    I screamed Sss name into the abyss as I felt the spell reach its peak.


    The wind turned unbearable.


    Then, suddenly, everything went silent.


    The sound of massive wings filled the air, a gentle rustling, the warmth of feathers surrounding us like an unbreakable shield.


    Topened my eyes and found myself tucked beneath my mates wings, a barrier of absolute safety.


    Ss knelt before me, holding our baby.


    Awave of dizziness hit me, making my body sway, but his strong arm caught me immediately.


    He pulled me into his chest, his embrace shielding all three of our children.


    Outside, there was nothing.


    The specters were gone.


    Or rather, they had been devoured.


    Those wretched beings had been absorbed into our son.


    Lowering my gaze, I finally looked at him, and my heart nearly stopped.


    His eyes were as dark as a moonless night.


    Not the eyes of a newborn.


    They held something ancient, something unfathomable.


    But the oppressive sensationsted only for a second ---- A momentter, my babys eyes shifted.


    The deep ck faded, reced by a brilliant golden glow, as radiant as the sun.


    Just like Sss when he was at peace.


    His tiny mouth stretched in a soft yawn before his eyelids drooped, and he drifted into sleep, safe in his fathers arms.


    Laziel.


    That is his name." Sss voice was low, almost reverent, as he spread his wings and helped me settle the pups onto the fur- lined nket.


    Miraculously, the girls had fallen asleep too.


    I copsed onto the stained pelts, remnants of the birth scattered beside me, my body finally giving in to exhaustion.


    Ss had severed the cords with his ws.


    Everything had been so raw, so primal.


    We had survived because we were strong.


    Because Sss power had fueled mine and kept me standing.


    Warm hands wrapped around me, gentle, careful.


    Hey beside me, pressing soft kisses all over my sweat-dampened face.


    "I don''t...


    [dont even know how to thank you for this moment, Sigrid." His voice wavered slightly as he buried his face in the curve of my neck.


    "It feels like Ive gone back in time, back when I didnt know how to tell you what I felt," he murmured, and my hand instinctively rose to stroke his hair.


    Tears of pure emotion spilled down my cheeks, tracing along his sharp jawline.


    ---- But back then, I was confused.


    I didnt recognize what you meant to this broken, withered heart.


    Now, I know without a doubt..." Ss lifted his head, his gaze locking onto mine, intense and raw.


    So happy.


    So beautifully tormented.


    Myplicated, relentless man, the one who would kill and die for me, and now for our children.


    T knew it.


    He showed me every second of my existence.


    "Tlove you.


    I love you so much I cant conceive a world without you.


    If you''re not by my side, I am nothing but hatred and pain." His lips met mine, and for once, we didnt need words.


    Our souls spoke for us.?