The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. It was quiet—too quiet, in a way that almost felt surreal after everything that had happened. The stone, the figure, the journey back… all of it felt distant now, like a storm had passed but left a heavy stillness behind.

  I could hear the quiet shuffle of small feet against the floor, and then a soft giggle broke through the silence. Kailaa had woken up before the rest of us, and her usual curiosity had her already exploring.

  I opened my eyes to find her perched on the edge of the bed, her bright eyes wide with wonder as she looked at me. “Momma,” she whispered, her voice barely audible in the quiet room.

  I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me at the sound of the word. It was new—she hadn’t called me that before—except for last night, but it fit. It felt right. I reached out, brushing her hair from her face as I shifted to sit up, pulling her into my arms.

  “Good morning, sweetheart,” I murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

  She snuggled closer, wrapping her small arms around me. “Momma, story?”

  I laughed softly. “You’re just like Elias, you know that?”

  Her grin widened, and I couldn’t help but return it. It was a simple request, but it felt grounding, a moment of peace amidst everything. I wasn’t sure where the world was headed, but in that moment, with her arms around me, I had all I needed.

  I held Kailaa close, letting her small breaths lull me into a sense of calm I hadn’t realized I needed. Her warmth was comforting, her innocence a reminder of what we were fighting for. It was hard to reconcile this peaceful moment with the storm of uncertainty that still lingered in the air. But in her arms, everything seemed simple again.

  The room remained quiet, the kind of stillness that made you feel like time was slowing down. Apolloh stirred beside me, his breathing deep and steady, the rise and fall of his chest a silent presence next to me. I didn’t need to look at him to know he was awake. He always seemed to be aware of everything around us, especially when it mattered most.

  Kailaa shifted slightly in my arms, her little hands gripping my shirt as she leaned her head against my chest, content. “Momma?” she said again, quieter this time, like the word had some kind of magic to it that made her feel safe.

  “Yeah, sweetheart?” I responded softly, running my fingers through her hair.

  “Where’s Elias?” she asked, her voice full of curiosity.

  I glanced over at Elias, who was curled up in his blanket at the foot of the bed, still deep in sleep. I smiled at the sight of him, his small form wrapped in the comfort of a peaceful dream. “He’s still sleeping,” I said gently. “He’ll be up soon.”

  Kailaa nodded as if satisfied with the answer, then settled back into my arms. The quiet between us stretched out, but it was different this time—not uncomfortable, but soothing. The kind of quiet you find when there’s no rush, no immediate need to act. Just the peace of being present.

  After a while, I could hear the soft sound of Apolloh shifting behind me. His hand found mine, his touch warm and grounding, like an anchor in the quiet sea of morning. “What time is it?” he asked, his voice still thick with sleep.

  “Early,” I murmured, “But it’s fine. We’ve earned this.”

  He chuckled, low and soft. “Yes, we have.”

  For a while, the four of us stayed like that—quiet and still. The world could wait.

  The silence stretched, and I could feel the weight of everything we’d been through, but it seemed to settle into the background for now. The quietness of this room, the soft warmth of the early morning sun creeping across the floor—it all felt like a sanctuary in a world that had grown too chaotic.

  Kailaa had drifted back to sleep, her breathing slow and even, her tiny body curled up in my arms as though she belonged there, as though she’d always been a part of this quiet rhythm of ours. The only sound in the room was the occasional rustle of blankets and the soft breaths of Apolloh and Elias.

  I turned my head slightly, meeting Apolloh’s eyes. There was something in them—something that spoke of understanding, of shared burden, and of a quiet strength. He didn’t have to say anything for me to know he was feeling it, too. The weight of what was ahead, the uncertainty that hung in the air like an unspoken promise.

  He squeezed my hand gently, and in that simple gesture, I felt the connection between us solidify again, grounding me in the present moment. “We’ll face whatever comes next, together,” he murmured, his voice soft but sure.

  I nodded, squeezing his hand back. The words were enough. They always were.

  For a while longer, we stayed like that—wrapped in the comfort of each other’s presence, the world outside holding its breath. No threats. No figure. No stone. Just us, here, in this small moment of peace.

  Eventually, the sunlight began to shift, casting a warmer glow on the room. I could hear the soft stirrings of the other pups as they began to wake, the soft sounds of their morning movements a reminder that life, despite everything, continued.

  Kailaa stirred slightly, her small hands rubbing her eyes as she yawned, and Elias groggily shifted in his blanket, his face scrunching up as he blinked in the light.

  I couldn’t help but smile at the innocence of it all. They had no idea of the danger that lurked beyond these walls, no inkling of the storms that had passed and those still to come. But for now, they were safe. For now, they were with us.

  ?

  With that sense of tranquility settling over us, the next chapter of our journey would begin—not with the pounding of urgency, but with the quiet resolve that comes when you face the world not alone, but with the people you care about most.

  ———

  The next few days unfolded slowly, like the soft pages of a well-worn book. Each morning began with the soft sounds of Kailaa and Elias stirring, the quiet rustling of blankets as they woke and the gentle giggles and playful murmurs that always seemed to follow.

  Kailaa, still calling me “Momma,” had taken to exploring the small space around us, her curiosity driving her to investigate every nook and cranny of the room. She’d pick up odd objects—pens, stray pieces of fabric, anything she could find—and bring them to me with a look of pure wonder. “What’s this, Momma?” she’d ask, holding it out for me to inspect.

  Elias, on the other hand, was more of a quiet observer. He had a way of lingering just at the edges of the room, his wide eyes taking in everything with a careful, almost thoughtful gaze. I’d often catch him looking at Apolloh, his brow furrowed in deep concentration, as if trying to understand the complexities of the world around him.

  The days passed like this—peaceful, with no urgency. Apolloh and I would talk softly about the road ahead, but we didn’t rush. We spent time with Kailaa and Elias, playing simple games, sharing stories, and letting ourselves forget, if only for a while, about the looming dangers and the mysteries that still weighed on our minds.

  One afternoon, we spent hours just outside the fortress, sitting in the warm sunlight. Kailaa and Elias ran ahead, their laughter echoing off the stone walls as they chased each other across the yard. Apolloh and I leaned against the stone of the fortress, watching them. It felt like a fleeting moment—one that wouldn’t last forever, but one we would hold onto for as long as we could.

  Kailaa came running up to me, her face flushed with excitement. “Momma, look!” She held out a small flower she’d picked from the garden, her fingers gripping it with surprising care.

  “That’s beautiful, sweetheart,” I said, taking the flower from her gently and tucking it behind her ear. She beamed up at me, and I could see the pure joy in her eyes.

  Elias wandered over, silently watching us for a moment before quietly sitting beside Apolloh. He rested his head against Apolloh’s leg, as if seeking the comfort of his presence without needing to say a word. Apolloh glanced down at him, a soft smile crossing his face as he ran his fingers through Elias’ hair.

  The simplicity of it all was grounding. No grand plans. No urgency. Just us. Just family.

  ———

  As the days passed, I found myself feeling more and more connected to the two pups. I’d always thought of them as part of our larger world, but now, after everything that had happened, they were my world. They were Apolloh’s world. And as we spent more time together, their small, innocent moments felt like the brightest lights in the midst of all the uncertainty.

  ———

  The next morning, the sun peeked through the windows, casting a golden glow on the stone walls of our room. Kailaa was the first to wake, as always, her small feet pattering against the floor as she climbed out of bed and tiptoed over to me. She stood at my side for a moment, watching me sleep, before gently shaking my arm.

  “Momma,” she whispered, her voice soft but eager.

  I blinked open my eyes to find her face inches from mine, a bright smile lighting up her features. “Good morning, sweet girl,” I murmured, brushing a lock of hair from her face.

  “Can we go outside today?” she asked, her excitement palpable. “I want to see the garden again!”

  I smiled and nodded, pushing myself up into a sitting position. “Of course. Let’s go get Elias and Daddy, and then we’ll head out.”

  Kailaa’s eyes sparkled as she ran to the other side of the room, calling Elias’ name in her high-pitched voice. Elias, still half asleep, stirred before lifting his head to see her standing there, hands on her hips, looking determined.

  “Elias, time to wake up!” Kailaa said in a mock stern voice. “We’re going outside!”

  Elias blinked a few times, still a little groggy, before pushing himself up and rubbing his eyes. “Mmm, okay,” he mumbled, stretching his arms above his head before yawning.

  By the time Apolloh had joined us, we were all dressed and ready. The sunlight filtered through the large windows, bathing the hallway in a soft, golden hue as we made our way to the fortress courtyard. Kailaa led the way, skipping ahead of us, her little feet bouncing with each step.

  The garden was just as beautiful as it had been the day before, the flowers in full bloom, their colors bright against the backdrop of green. I knelt down, picking a few of the wildflowers that had caught Kailaa’s attention, and she immediately began picking up others to add to the little bouquet she was forming.

  Elias wandered off to the side, sitting near a large rock and watching a butterfly flutter by, his quiet presence as peaceful as ever. Apolloh, too, found a spot nearby, sitting with his back against the stone wall of the garden, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips as he watched the pups.

  The moments passed slowly. I took my time arranging flowers in a small jar we’d found, Kailaa chattering on about all the different colors and shapes of the blossoms. Elias would occasionally look over at me, his eyes thoughtful, before returning his focus to whatever had caught his attention in the garden. Apolloh was content, as always, to simply be with us, and I could see how much peace it brought him.

  By midday, we had spread a blanket out in the shade of a large tree, enjoying a quiet meal together. The pups ate eagerly, Kailaa making little excited sounds as she tasted the bread and cheese we’d brought. Elias was more reserved, as usual, but even he seemed to be enjoying the moment, his eyes often flicking between us as if taking in the small, peaceful scene.

  After lunch, we lingered, talking in soft voices, laughing at little things, and simply existing together in the calmness of the day. Time seemed to slow as the hours stretched, the weight of the outside world temporarily forgotten.

  When the sun began to dip low in the sky, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, we slowly made our way back to the fortress, Kailaa and Elias now more tired from their adventures. They clung to us as we walked, Kailaa’s little hand grasping mine, Elias leaning into Apolloh’s side.

  Back in the room, the atmosphere was quiet, the flickering light of a small fire adding to the coziness of the space. Apolloh settled next to me on the bed as Kailaa and Elias curled up at our feet, their small forms nestled together in the comfort of our presence.

  The peace of the moment hung in the air, a balm for the soul, and I couldn’t help but think—maybe, just for today, we could hold onto this. Hold onto the quiet, the simplicity, the way it felt to be together like this.

  ———

  The days blurred together in a soft, quiet rhythm, each one flowing into the next with the gentle passage of time. The mornings were slow, the sun peeking through the windows just in time for us to rise and begin another day, the pups eager to start their adventures once again.

  Kailaa continued to surprise us with her questions, her curiosity growing with every passing day. “How do the flowers grow so big, Momma?” she’d ask as we strolled through the garden, her little fingers gently brushing against the petals.

  “Well,” I would start, smiling at the simplicity of her wonder, “they grow because of the sun, the rain, and the soil beneath them. Everything has its own way of growing, just like you and Elias.”

  Elias, always more observant than talkative, would nod thoughtfully, his eyes brightening with understanding. The quiet moments we shared with him were often the most poignant, his quiet nature grounding me, reminding me of the beauty of stillness.

  Each evening, as the sun began to set and the sky turned shades of violet and gold, Apolloh and I would take a few moments to ourselves, walking side by side in the garden, the pups trailing behind us. He would often reach out, squeezing my hand gently, his presence a constant comfort.

  “We’ve come a long way, haven’t we?” he’d say softly, his eyes scanning the horizon as if searching for something far beyond the fortress walls.

  I’d smile up at him, my heart full. “We have. But right now, we have everything we need.”

  ———

  Later that afternoon, the four of us curled up on the sun-warmed grass just outside the fortress gardens. Kailaa lay sprawled across my lap, humming a little tune she claimed she’d made up herself. Elias was perched close to Apolloh, meticulously stacking small rocks into a tiny tower with intense focus. Apolloh watched him, one arm lazily draped over Elias’s shoulders, his expression one of quiet pride.

  A soft breeze tugged at my hair, and I tilted my head back, closing my eyes as I breathed it in. The scent of earth and blooming herbs filled my lungs, grounding me in the moment. The warmth of Kailaa’s weight against my legs, the steady rhythm of Elias’s breathing, the gentle cadence of Apolloh’s fingers brushing idly against my arm—it was all so blissfully ordinary.

  Kailaa giggled suddenly, sitting up and holding something between her fingers. “Look, Daddy!” she chirped, holding out a tiny flower crown she had woven with help from some clumsy knots and tangled stems. “It’s for Momma!”

  Apolloh gave a low laugh, his smile softening even more. “She’s going to love it.”

  She climbed into my lap, the flower crown slightly lopsided as she placed it on my head. “There,” she whispered proudly. “Now you’re the queen.”

  I pulled her into a hug, my throat tightening with unexpected emotion. “Thank you, sweet girl. I feel like one.”

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  For just a heartbeat, I saw it all in my mind’s eye—this life, this peace, continuing on. A family built not just by fate, but by love and choice.

  I glanced over at Apolloh. He was already watching me.

  He mouthed, I love you.

  And I didn’t need to say a word. He knew.

  ~~~

  It had been a full month since that quiet stretch of golden days, and in that time, life had settled into something warm and familiar. My belly had grown noticeably, and so had the curiosity of two very attached little shadows named Kailaa and Elias.

  They had become experts in announcing my presence wherever we went.

  “Momma’s coming!” Kailaa would shout ahead as we neared the library or the courtyard, holding my hand like she was escorting royalty.

  Elias, quieter but no less present, would always hover nearby, a soft hand against my arm or a protective glance cast toward my swollen belly.

  Zia and Jaxe had taken to visiting more frequently during that time—bringing food, helping with errands, or simply sitting with us in the evening sun. It was Elias who first started it. One lazy afternoon while Zia was helping him tie a sash around a makeshift cape, he’d looked up and said, very matter-of-factly, “Thanks, Auntie Zia.”

  She froze for a beat, blinking. Then a slow, tender smile curled her lips. “You’re welcome, Elias.”

  Jaxe didn’t get away unscathed either. Kailaa had decided that since Zia was an auntie, then Jaxe was definitely an uncle. “Uncle Jaxe! Watch me!” she called as she climbed up the low stone wall in the garden and promptly jumped off it into a pile of leaves.

  He caught her before she even landed, arms firm but gentle. “I’m watching, little whirlwind. Nice form.”

  We all laughed at that, even Zia.

  Apolloh and I often stole quiet glances at each other during those moments—like we were both silently asking: How did we get this lucky?

  ~~~

  That evening, we spread out a soft blanket on the grass just beyond the fortress walls, where the view stretched far into the horizon. The sun was beginning its slow descent, painting the sky in pinks and golds, and a light breeze danced through the trees. Elias and Kailaa were darting between patches of wildflowers, their laughter like windchimes.

  Apolloh reclined beside me, one arm propped behind his head, the other resting lightly over my belly. I’d started to feel tiny flutters now and then—gentle nudges from the life growing inside me—and each one still made me pause and smile.

  Zia and Jaxe sat nearby, sharing a quiet back-and-forth about the stars beginning to peek through the darkening sky. Kailaa sprinted back with a dandelion puff and offered it to Zia with an outstretched hand.

  “Make a wish, Auntie Zia!”

  Zia blinked, touched, then leaned in close and whispered something before blowing the puff into the breeze. “There. Let’s see if it comes true.”

  Jaxe let Kailaa clamber into his lap, and she curled into him without hesitation, resting her head against his shoulder. Elias soon followed, sitting beside Apolloh and leaning against his side like it was the most natural place in the world.

  I glanced at Apolloh, who looked completely at peace—his eyes lifted to the stars, his hand still protectively resting on me. “You happy?” I asked softly.

  He looked over, eyes warm. “I’ve never felt more complete.”

  The conversation turned quiet, peaceful. Zia asked about names—if we’d thought of any yet. I laughed, admitting we hadn’t even started narrowing down. That sparked a playful debate between them all, tossing out possibilities while the sky grew deeper, richer, until it was midnight blue and full of stars.

  Elias pointed up. “That one’s the baby star,” he declared, pointing at the brightest one overhead.

  “And that one’s Momma,” Kailaa added, leaning against me.

  I wrapped an arm around her and whispered, “And that one right there? That’s you.”

  We stayed there until the pups dozed off one by one. Zia helped carry Kailaa back to her bed, and Jaxe lifted Elias gently from Apolloh’s lap. For once, they didn’t stir—safe, exhausted, and full of joy.

  _____

  The room was dim, lit only by the moonlight that filtered through the window and spilled across the floor in silver ribbons. The fortress had gone quiet—Zia and Jaxe had turned in, the pups were fast asleep, and the hush of night wrapped around us like a blanket.

  Apolloh sat behind me on the bed, arms loosely around my waist, his hands resting gently over the curve of my belly. I leaned back against his chest, eyes closed, just breathing. Safe. Full. Home.

  “I still can’t believe it’s already been a month,” I murmured. “Feels like it flew by, but also like we’ve lived a lifetime in it.”

  “I know,” he said softly, brushing his lips against the crown of my head. “You’ve handled all of it with so much strength. I’m still trying to catch up.”

  I smiled faintly, fingers tracing slow circles over his forearm. “You’ve been everything I needed, Apolloh. Every moment. I don’t think I could’ve done this without you.”

  His arms tightened around me just slightly, like he was afraid to let me go. “I think about that a lot,” he whispered. “Everything that’s happened. Everything we’ve built. Every moment with Kailaa and Elias. With you.” He paused. “And now… this little one. It’s all more than I ever thought I’d get.”

  We fell into a soft silence, the kind that doesn’t need to be filled. The kind that feels like breathing together.

  After a while, I turned slightly to glance at him. “We still haven’t picked a name,” I teased gently. “We’re running out of time, you know.”

  A crooked grin tugged at his lips. “I’ve been thinking about that, actually. If it’s a girl… what about Alira?”

  “Alira,” I repeated, tasting the sound. “That’s beautiful. Soft. Strong.”

  He nodded. “And if it’s a boy… maybe Caelan?”

  “Caelan,” I echoed again, smiling. “That’s sweet. I like the way it feels when you say it.”

  “What about you?” he asked, gently nudging my shoulder with his nose. “Got any secret names stashed away you’ve been hiding from me?”

  I laughed, low and quiet. “Maybe. I was thinking… for a girl, Elara.”

  “Elara,” he murmured. “That fits. Like moonlight.”

  “And if it’s a boy… maybe Riven?”

  He blinked, surprised. “Riven. That’s… unexpected. But powerful.”

  “I don’t want anything too delicate for him, you know? Not with everything he’ll be born into.”

  Apolloh nodded slowly. “Alright. Elara or Alira. Riven or Caelan. We’ve got options.”

  “We’ll know when we meet them,” I said, settling into him again.

  His hand moved slowly over my belly, a quiet kind of reverence in the way he touched me. “Whoever they are… I can’t wait to meet them.”

  I closed my eyes again, heartbeat syncing to his, the future pressing gently between us.

  Neither of us spoke again that night. We didn’t need to. The silence was full enough.

  The morning sunlight crept slowly into the room, casting a warm glow over the wooden walls and softly rumpled blankets. I stirred first, my hand instinctively drifting to my belly before my eyes even opened. Apolloh’s arm was draped over me, heavy with sleep, his face buried in the curve of my neck, his breathing slow and even.

  I smiled to myself and stayed still for a moment longer, just listening—to the quiet, to his heartbeat behind me, to the comfort of everything that surrounded us.

  Eventually, I slipped from his hold and padded to the window, pulling the curtain aside just enough to peek out. The sky was painted with gentle golds and soft pinks, and somewhere in the distance, I heard Kailaa’s laugh ring out, high and bright.

  Apolloh stirred behind me with a groggy hum. “You left me,” he mumbled into the pillow.

  I turned, biting back a grin. “Only for the sunrise. Want to come watch it with me?”

  He rolled over with a grunt, hair sticking out in half a dozen directions, and pulled the blanket around his waist as he joined me. His arms looped around my waist again as we stood together by the window, watching the day arrive like a quiet promise.

  “Think today will be peaceful?” he asked, his voice still laced with sleep.

  “I hope so,” I said. “I think we could all use more days like this.”

  As if summoned by our conversation, the door creaked open—and there stood Kailaa and Elias, both still in their sleep tunics, hair wild and eyes wide with excitement.

  “Daddy!” Kailaa said, rushing in without hesitation.

  “Momma!” Elias followed right behind, and the moment the words left his mouth, he paused and looked up at me sheepishly. “Um… I mean… is it okay if I call you that too?”

  My heart melted instantly. “Of course it is sweet boy,” I said, kneeling—careful of my bump— down to open my arms.

  They both ran into the hug, and Apolloh chuckled as he joined us, kneeling beside me and pulling the three of us into one big bundle of warmth.

  “We were gonna wait,” Kailaa whispered against my shoulder, “but we heard bird songs and got excited.”

  “We can’t waste a morning like this,” Elias added, nodding seriously, though his grin gave him away.

  Apolloh looked at me over their heads, and I could see it in his eyes—the same soft wonder I felt. The same deep, overwhelming love.

  “Looks like we’re outnumbered,” he said.

  I laughed quietly. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  The kitchen was already warm with the scent of toasted bread and something sweet bubbling on the stove—probably that fruit syrup Zia made when she thought no one was watching. The four of us arrived together, Elias and Kailaa still clinging to our hands as though the morning wasn’t quite real unless we stayed close.

  Zia stood at the stove, stirring the pot with her hip cocked to the side, already halfway through a retelling of something dramatic and almost definitely embellished. Jaxe leaned against the counter, arms crossed, sipping from a mug and nodding in all the right places, though the slight smirk on his face betrayed the fact that he’d heard the story at least once before.

  When they spotted us, Kailaa and Elias darted forward.

  “Auntie Zia! Uncle Jaxe!”

  Zia nearly dropped the spoon in her surprise, turning with wide eyes before her whole expression melted. “Hello sweet girl,” she said, crouching just in time for both kids to crash into her.

  Jaxe set his mug down. “Think I can get that stitched onto a tunic? ‘Uncle Jaxe. Professional Adventurer.’”

  Apolloh snorted as we joined them. “Might want to leave out the ‘professional’ part.”

  “Rude,” Jaxe muttered, though he grinned as he said it.

  I leaned against the table, one hand absently resting on my bump as I watched the scene unfold. The kitchen was full of soft chatter, the clink of dishes, the occasional laugh as Kailaa proudly showed Zia how she could carry two cups of juice at once without spilling a drop. Elias sat beside Apolloh, babbling excitedly about a dream he’d had involving flying wolves and a mountain made of marshmallows.

  And for once, no one corrected the fantasy. No one reminded him to be serious. We all just smiled and let it be.

  Zia eventually set plates down in front of everyone, and the kids dove in with glee.

  “You know,” she said, sliding into the chair next to mine, “I could get used to mornings like this.”

  “Same here,” I murmured, sipping from a mug of warm herbal tea. “Just wish we could freeze them sometimes.”

  “Right?” Zia looked over at the pups. “They grow so fast.”

  “Not too fast,” Apolloh said, giving Elias a playful poke that made him squeal with laughter. “Just the right speed.”

  The room was golden with sunlight and laughter. And for the first time in what felt like ages, there were no maps on the table. No books stacked high with urgent warnings. Just food, family, and peace.

  ———

  After breakfast, no one rushed. The plates were cleared, but instead of scattering, we lingered—Kailaa tugged at my hand until I followed her into the sitting room where a pile of hand-carved animal figures waited for a new story to unfold. She assigned me the fox, of course. Elias insisted Apolloh be the bear. There were no objections.

  Zia and Jaxe drifted in not long after, content to stretch out on the cushions near the windows, sunlight filtering in and casting soft patterns across the floor. Jaxe somehow ended up refereeing a dramatic animal chase while Zia braided Kailaa’s hair with a concentration that rivaled her battle stances.

  Later, when the afternoon light began to mellow, we wandered outside. The fortress gardens had begun to bloom again—early spring blossoms pushing through the soil with that stubborn hope that only flowers seemed to have. Apolloh kept close beside me as we walked the worn path around the garden’s edge, his hand settled lightly on the small of my back, guiding me when I needed the extra support.

  “It’s peaceful,” I murmured, slowing to watch Elias attempt to teach Kailaa how to balance on one of the low stone walls. She wobbled dramatically, then leapt off into the grass with a triumphant shout.

  “I think we needed this,” he replied, voice quiet. “All of us.”

  “I know we did.”

  We stayed like that for a while—watching, listening. Zia joined the pups, showing off a handstand she probably hadn’t practiced in years, and toppled over with a loud laugh. Jaxe, naturally, claimed he could do better—and promptly proved he couldn’t.

  Dinner was simple that evening—warm stew, fresh bread, and honeyed fruit. Elias dozed off halfway through eating, his head against Apolloh’s arm. Kailaa barely made it to the end of the meal before crawling into my lap, thumb in her mouth and eyes fluttering closed.

  That night, as the stars blinked awake and the fortress settled into its nighttime hush, we tucked the pups into their shared room, with Zia promising them a story once they were tucked under the blankets. Their little voices drifted through the corridor, soft and sleepy and content.

  Back in our room, I curled into Apolloh’s arms, the warmth of his embrace grounding me.

  “I could stay in this moment forever,” I whispered.

  He kissed the crown of my head, holding me close. “Then let’s make it last as long as we can.”

  And we did.

  ~~~

  The next morning rose slow and golden, light pooling across the stone floors in warm puddles. I woke with my head resting against Apolloh’s chest, his arm still draped over me protectively. For a moment, I didn’t move. I just listened—to his heartbeat, steady and grounding, and the distant chirping of birds outside the window. No alarms. No rush. Just peace.

  Eventually, soft footsteps padded outside our room, followed by a whispered “Shh!” that sounded suspiciously like Kailaa’s voice. I smiled against Apolloh’s skin.

  “They’re up,” I mumbled.

  “Mm,” he groaned softly, stretching without dislodging me. “And we were so close to pretending we weren’t.”

  A quiet knock followed.

  “Momma? Daddy? Are you awake?” Elias’s voice came muffled through the door.

  I chuckled and sat up slowly, Apolloh following suit as he ruffled his sleep-mussed hair. “Come in, sweetheart.”

  The door creaked open and the pups spilled in, both already dressed and bright-eyed. Kailaa climbed up onto the bed without hesitation, planting herself between us and curling against my side. Elias leaned against Apolloh’s shoulder, yawning despite his obvious eagerness.

  “Can we go outside today?” Kailaa asked.

  “Can we climb the tree again?” Elias added.

  Apolloh glanced at me, then at the window. “If it stays dry, and if we all have breakfast first.”

  “Deal!” they shouted in unison and took off, their footsteps echoing through the hall.

  I laughed and reached for Apolloh’s hand. “We’ve created chaos.”

  “Adorable chaos,” he said, pressing a kiss to the back of my hand. “Let’s get moving.”

  The day unfolded in slow, sweet layers. Breakfast under the open sky, seated around a low table Zia had helped drag outside. Fresh eggs, roasted root vegetables, and little bundles of sweetbread that Kailaa kept trying to sneak off Apolloh’s plate.

  Afterwards, we all spilled into the open courtyard where the fortress trees—old, tall, and thick with green—offered shade and adventure alike. Jaxe took it upon himself to guide Elias through the proper way to climb without losing your balance, while Zia hoisted Kailaa up into a lower branch and stood beneath with arms crossed and a wary but amused eye.

  Apolloh and I settled onto the grass, watching the small chaos unfold in laughter and shouts of “higher!” and “no, that branch!” and “Zia, look!”

  “They’ve changed so much,” I said softly.

  He nodded, his thumb brushing slow circles along the curve of my bump. “And they’ve changed us too.”

  We stayed like that through the afternoon, talking idly, playing games the pups insisted on teaching us—even when the rules changed mid-round. When the sun began its descent, painting the sky in soft pinks and golds, we headed back inside, arms full of small wildflowers and scattered pinecones the pups declared were “very important.”

  Dinner was a sleepy affair again, laughter echoing off the high stone walls. And as night settled in once more, Kailaa and Elias curled up against me on the cushions while Apolloh played a quiet tune on the small flute Zia had carved him last week. The melody floated gently around us like a lullaby.

  “Tomorrow,” Elias mumbled, half-asleep, “we should make cookies.”

  “With honey,” Kailaa whispered back.

  And I thought—yes. Yes, we absolutely should.

  The day drifted by gently, full of little joys and quiet moments that made everything else fade to the background. After breakfast, Elias had discovered a trail of colorful leaves scattered by the wind just outside the courtyard and insisted it was a secret path meant only for “big brothers.” Kailaa, of course, demanded to join in, and soon the four of us were carefully tiptoeing along the imaginary path as though stepping off would send us tumbling into lava.

  Apolloh carried Kailaa on his back halfway through the game, grinning like a fool every time she squealed with delight and tugged at his ears. I held Elias’s hand as he led us onward, his free arm outstretched like a scout guiding a caravan. We looked ridiculous, but I didn’t care. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d felt this light, this free.

  Later, we ended up sprawled beneath a tree near the edge of the training fields, the kids climbing over us like we were part of the landscape. Kailaa flopped across my lap, humming nonsense and playing with the edge of my braid, while Elias laid on Apolloh’s chest, blinking slowly at the sun-dappled leaves above us.

  “I like this,” Elias said suddenly, his voice soft. “It’s warm here.”

  Apolloh shifted his arm to cradle him more securely. “Yeah, little man. It’s warm because we’re all together.”

  My heart melted.

  It wasn’t long before Zia and Jaxe found us—Zia holding two canteens and shaking her head fondly. “You four look like you’re about five minutes from a nap.”

  “We’re just enjoying the moment,” I said, smiling up at her.

  “You deserve it,” Jaxe replied simply, crouching beside Elias and gently ruffling his hair.

  Kailaa blinked up at them, her little voice suddenly chipper. “Hi Auntie Zia! Hi Uncle Jaxe!”

  Both of them paused for half a second before sharing a quiet—knowing—smile.

  “Hey there, baby,” Zia said, kneeling beside me and brushing a few leaves from my hair. “Got a nice little pack here, huh?”

  “The best,” I murmured, hugging Kailaa close as she snuggled into my belly.

  Apolloh looked over at me, his eyes warm and full of something deep. Peace. Belonging.

  We stayed there a while longer, just being. No weight of duty. No looming threats. Just warmth. Just family.

  ———

  Dinner was a quiet, comforting thing.

  The soft clatter of wooden spoons against bowls, the way laughter rippled under conversation, the way Kailaa proudly presented a flower she’d found tucked in her curls—and how Elias swiped it and stuck it behind my ear with a triumphant grin. It was all warmth and light, all safety in the simple acts of sharing food and space together. Zia and Jaxe had joined us as well, their presence familiar now, folded into the rhythm of our days like they’d always been there.

  Kailaa had taken to sitting beside Zia, and Elias liked to sneak bites from Jaxe’s plate—earning a quiet smirk and a mock scolding that always ended in a head pat or a bite freely offered in return.

  And in the middle of it all, I leaned into Apolloh’s side, his arm instinctively wrapping around my shoulders, grounding me.

  By the time the stars began to blink awake in the sky, and the last bits of conversation faded into soft yawns, Kailaa had curled herself into my lap. Elias was half-draped across Apolloh’s legs, little snores escaping him as his hand stayed wrapped around one of Apolloh’s fingers. Neither of us moved them. We just sat there, quiet and content, letting the moment soak deep into our bones.

  Later, after carrying the pups to bed, Apolloh and I stood in the calm of our room, bathed in the soft wash of moonlight. Crickets sang in the distance through the open window, and everything felt still.

  I turned to him, hands resting on my belly, now undeniably round. “Can you believe it?” I whispered. “One more month…”

  He smiled, brushing a curl from my face and pressing his forehead to mine. “Sometimes I still can’t. But then I look at you—and I feel it. Every part of this.”

  “What if it’s a girl?” I asked, voice low. “I was thinking… maybe Lyra? Or Elowen.”

  He tilted his head thoughtfully. “Lyra… that’s beautiful. I like Elowen too. What about for a boy?”

  I raised a brow. “Your turn.”

  “Auren,” he said, after a pause. “Or maybe Kael. Strong names. Names that carry something forward.”

  I smiled. “They already have the strongest thing they could ever carry—you.”

  His quiet laugh filled the room as he pulled me closer. “Then they’ll be unstoppable.”

  We fell asleep wrapped in each other, hands resting over the little life between us, the world outside forgotten.

  Morning arrived slowly, bathed in soft gold.

  I stirred to the gentle weight of something pressing against my side—and opened my eyes to see Kailaa climbing into the bed, curls wild from sleep, eyes barely open. She didn’t say anything at first. Just climbed in, pressed her face to my side, and wrapped her small arms around me.

  “Morning, Momma…” she mumbled, her voice still thick with sleep.

  My heart melted instantly. I held her close, tucking my chin over her head. “Morning, my love.”

  When I glanced over, I saw Elias already curled up between me and Apolloh, using Apolloh’s chest as a pillow. Apolloh hadn’t even stirred.

  There were still challenges ahead—decisions, uncertainties. But in that moment, none of it mattered.

  This—this soft, quiet morning—was everything.