The baby’s head inched forward.
More cries, more agonized moans—until, with one final push, the newborn slid into my waiting arms.
Tears spilled down my cheeks. I could barely speak through my joy. “It’s a boy, Emily! You have a son.”
I placed the squirming infant on Emily’s belly, his tiny body warm and perfect.
Anne Geneviève and I worked together quickly, snipping the cord, sewing the small tear between Emily’s legs, and cleaning up the room. Once everything was in order, Anne Geneviève gathered the soiled linens and quietly slipped away, leaving us alone.
I sank beside Emily, my gaze fixed on the tiny miracle in her arms. Already, he was nuzzling against her, seeking nourishment.
Tears gleamed in Emily’s eyes as she stroked his delicate head. “Almost a year ago, we were running from that demon, searching for Malik in another world…” Her voice trembled. “And now I’m here, in a castle, with my son at my breast.”
I squeezed her shoulder, my own throat thick with emotion. “Isn’t it a miracle?”
She wiped at her tears, laughing softly. “I can’t believe Marcellious was right about the gender.”
“Oh, he’ll probably gloat about it for years,” I teased, chuckling as I reached out to run a gentle hand over the baby’s back. “He’s beautiful, Emily. Absolutely perfect. What will you name him?”
Emily gazed down at her son with such tenderness that it nearly broke me. “Marcellious wanted to honor his father, Moon Lee. We’re naming him Leo.”
A warmth spread through my chest, as if the very name carried a blessing. “Oh, Emily. That’s perfect. Moon Lee would be so honored.”
Her tears returned, but this time, they were laced with joy. She blinked them away and whispered, “I’m so happy, Olivia. I wish Marcellious were here to see him.”
I cupped her hand in mine, feeling the weight of that absence. “I know, sweetheart. I know.”
For a long moment, we sat there, basking in the afterglow of birth, in the quiet wonder of new life.
I brushed the dampness from my cheeks and stepped toward the door. “I’m going to get some fresh linens.”
Emily smiled down at her son, stroking his tiny head.
I had barely reached the stairs when a blood-curdling scream tore through the corridor.
My heart lurched.
I spun on my heel and sprinted back down the hall, my pulse hammering in my ears. Bursting into the room, I skidded to a halt, my breath catching in my throat.
Balthazar and Tristan stood beside Emily.
Emily clutched Leo to her chest, her face drained of color, her eyes wide with terror.
“Get out of here!” I roared, fury erupting from me like wildfire. “Leave us be!”
Tristan’s head snapped toward me, a taunting smirk curling his lips. “Ah, my sweet little girlfriend. How lovely it is to see you again.”
I saw red. “Get. Out.” My voice reverberated with pure rage. “This isn’t another one of your twisted games, Tristan! You don’t get to barge in and make our lives hell!”
I jabbed a shaking finger at him, my entire body quivering.
Emily’s breath came in short, frantic bursts. She was on the edge of hyperventilating.
Balthazar’s gaze shifted to me, dark amusement glinting in his eyes. “Relax, Olivia. We’re only here for a short time. I’ll be taking my daughter and grandson with me.”
He reached for Emily.
“No!” Emily shrieked, shielding Leo with her arms.
