“And it hurts,” she continued. “Because we wanted them. So badly. But their body couldn’t stay. Not because of anything we did. Not because we weren’t good enough.”
Kalen’s brow furrowed. “Then what was the point?”
Tears finally welled in her eyes. She smiled through them, aching. “The point,” she said, “is that they were real. Even if they were only with us for a short time, they were loved. They were part of our family, and we will always remember them.”
Auric moved forward. He didn’t cry. He just pressed himself into her lap, resting his head against her chest, like he used to when he was smaller.
“I didn’t mean to make you sad.”
She held him, breathing in the scent of his hair. “You didn’t,” she murmured. “You’re allowed to ask questions.”
His brother came next, crawling into her other side. Together, they curled against her like they did so often. And she, who had grown and carried them, held the living warmth of her children and let herself mourn the one she’d lost.
Midas was guardingthe cliff just outside the cave when his sons approached. The sun had started to dip, casting the trees in coppery shadow. Smoke rose in curling wisps from his nostrils, and the scent of ash drifting in the breeze.
The boys came quietly—unusual for them. Just two pairs of small, determined feet padding softly over the stone. They stood side by side, staring at him with matching expressions: hopeful and uncertain.
They both shifted into their dragon forms and found comfortable positions curled in their father’s warmth.
Papa?
Midas opened his eyes once more and huffed out a sound for them to continue.
Auric looked up.Can you give Mama another baby? It will make her feel better.
The question hung in the air like smoke. Midas didn’t answer right away. He looked between them—so eager to help. Their faces held no malice. They simply didn’t yet understand that love, no matter how pure, could not undo grief.
I know you were excited,he said gently.I was too.They nodded.But making a baby isn’t like carving a toy or planting a flower. It’s more complicated than that.
Kalen frowned.But you and Mom already did it. Twice.
Yes,Midas said with a soft smile.And you are the greatest joy of both our lives. But your mother…she carries those children. In her body. In her blood. And sometimes, when things go wrong, it hurts her in ways we can’t always see.
They looked at each other, quiet.
She didn’t do anything wrong,Midas continued.But her heart and body need time to heal and rest.Midas’ chest ached.I would give your mother a thousand children if it were her wish, but it must be hers. It must be something she asks for—not something we ask of her.
The boys looked down at their claws. Kalen’s voice was smaller now.I don’t want her to be sad.
I know, but that is not the way to make her happy again. She doesn’t need a baby to feel joy again. She has you. Your laughter. Your questions. So I want you to live and grow strong. Remind her that she is already surrounded by love.
Midas leaned forward and touched his forehead to eachof theirs, one at a time. A dragon’s blessing. Ancient and sacred.
That is how we help heal her.
That night,when the cave had gone quiet and the boys were curled beneath blankets near the fire, Midas stirred in the dark.
He turned his great head to find Elowen sitting upright beside him, her hand pressed flat to her lower belly, her face turned away.
Tears streamed down her cheeks in silence.
He perked up slowly with attention. She shook her head, unable to meet his eyes.
“It just…hit me again,” she whispered.
He leaned into her, and she leaned back into him like a wave folding into the shore, her body shuddering. She pressed her face to his neck, sobbing softly into the space between his neck and shoulder.
You are not broken,he murmured.You were the home that baby knew. And even if they didn’t stay, they were loved every moment they existed. You are still the mother of this new age of dragons and miracles.
