Hades

Aurora sat in a secluded corner, her hands clasped tightly, whispering silent prayers into the stillness. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows, dancing like restless spirits against the walls. When the door creaked open, she didn't turn—she already knew. The familiar rhythm of footsteps belonged to Aria. Bracing herself, she finally looked back, only to find not just Aria but Leila as well.

"How are the children?" Aurora asked, her voice laced with exhaustion.

"Full of energy, as always," Leila reassured her with a soft smile. She had cared for Luciana's baby as though he were her own, her devotion unwavering.

Aria nodded. "Melody is doing much better. She's happiest when she's with the other children."

Aurora's brows furrowed slightly. "Other children?"

"I brought Tiberius to her chambers," Aria explained gently. "At first, they barely acknowledged each other. But now... they're learning to live with the loss of Avlynn. Tiberius—he still cries when he thinks no one is watching."

Pain trembled in her voice, a sorrow so deep it settled like a weight in the room. Aurora reached out, squeezing Aria's hand. "Thank you for being there for him."

Her gaze drifted to Luciana, lying motionless, her breaths shallow. A heavy sigh escaped Aurora's lips. "She still hasn't woken."

The grief etched into her face made Aria's heart clench. "Aunt, please rest. You've been watching over her endlessly. Let Leila and I take turns."

At their gentle insistence, Aurora relented. Leila carefully placed the sleeping infant beside Luciana, his tiny chest rising and falling with peaceful innocence.

With quiet efficiency, Aria dismissed the maids. "Bring ginger chamomile tea for the Grand Duchess," she instructed her lady-in-waiting. "And have our lunch brought here—we'll eat together."

As the fire crackled softly, Leila sank into a chair, her thoughts drifting far beyond the walls of the chamber. Aria sat beside Luciana, her fingers gently stroking her sister's hair, eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"Please, God," she prayed in silence. "You took Avlynn from us. Don't take my sister too."

A soft moan from the baby pulled her from her thoughts. She leaned over, soothing him back into slumber. Just as she exhaled, a knock at the door shattered the quiet.

Leila stirred, about to rise, but Aria stilled her with a look before striding to the door.

"Your Imperial Highness, someone from the Alchemist Tower requests an audience," the maid relayed.

Aria's brows knit in curiosity. "The Alchemist Tower? Who could it be?"

Turning back, she addressed Leila. "Stay with my sister and nephew."

"I will, Your Highness," Leila assured her. She cast a glance at the sleeping figures as Aria disappeared beyond the door.

Time stretched. The fire whispered, casting its golden glow upon the room. Leila's thoughts wandered—to Apollonia, to Draco, to Octavius—until sleep claimed her.

A piercing wail jolted her awake. Disoriented, she turned toward the window—night had long settled.

"Oh, heavens!" she gasped, hurrying to the bedside.

Her breath hitched. "Y-Your Highness!"

Luciana was awake. Her frail arms cradled the baby, her lips trembling as she pressed a kiss to his forehead.

"Hush, my love," she whispered. "Mother is here."

Leila pressed a hand over her mouth, emotion thick in her throat. "Your Imperial Highness… the baby is hungry."

Luciana's gaze met hers, a flicker of recognition sparking in her weary eyes.

"Lady… Leila?"

Leila exhaled, stepping closer. "Yes, Your Highness."

Leila helped her to breastfeed the baby.

Luciana's voice was fragile. "How… how are you here?" While she continued to breastfeed the baby she looked at her.

Leila took a moment before answering. "It is a long story."

She recounted her escape—the perilous journey, the dangers she had braved, how Octavius had aided her, how Apollonia had been born. Luciana listened, absorbing every word, as if stitching herself back into the world she had left behind.

"We feared for you," Leila admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "You've been unconscious for more than two weeks."

After the baby had his fill Leila aided Luciana in putting the baby to sleep.

" Your highness, let me do it. You cannot strain yourself when you have a weak constitution."

Luciana traced her child's delicate features with trembling fingers. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For everything," Luciana murmured. "For helping me when I had no one. For loving my children as your own. I will never forget this kindness."

Leila's cheeks flushed hearing a genuine compliment after a long time.

She turned to the door. "I must summon the physicians. And please—just call me Leila."

Luciana offered a weak smile. "Leila, then. Can you also send for Nemesis?"

Leila bowed. "As you wish."

She relayed the orders to the waiting servants, who hurried to summon the imperial family and physicians.

Inside, Luciana laid the baby beside her, brushing a feather-light touch against his cheek. A single tear slipped down her face as she whispered his name.

"Hades."

She watched his tiny face in wonder. "The name bestowed upon you by the divine. My sweet, precious child."

The fire crackled, the shadows swayed, she tenderly looked at her newborn. Luciana saw Erebus's striking resemblance in him. His hair and eyes and his tiny pointed ears all resembled his father who was nowhere to be found. Her thoughts subconsciously wandered off to Erebus with concerns of his wellbeing while the physicians entered the room to checkup on her.