Bloom

It had been a month since Vera woke up, and in that short time, everything had changed. Zach sat at the edge of the bed, watching her move about the room with a sense of awe. Her body had transformed, the once flat stomach now prominently round, cradling the life growing inside her. Their child. In their world, pregnancies were swift and intense, a mere three months before the birth, unlike the long cycles of humans. It was a reflection of their heightened physical nature—faster, stronger, more resilient. But with that also came a fierceness to protect, something that stirred constantly in Zach as he watched her now.

Vera, however, was not the same woman who had once been fierce and unyielding in battle. The pregnancy had brought out a softness in her—a calmness that Zach had never seen before. Yet it was more than just the physical changes. Something in her aura had shifted. Her movements were slower, more deliberate, as if she were attuned to something deeper within her. The once wild and unpredictable energy that defined her had steadied, and Zach could sense a serene strength radiating from her.

“I can feel him,” she whispered, running her hand over her growing belly. “It’s like he’s… aware.”

Zach smiled, stepping closer. “That’s our child,” he said quietly, placing his hand gently on top of hers. “They develop faster, not just in body, but in mind and spirit. He’s already connected to us, to everything around him.”

Vera looked up at him, her eyes glowing softly in the candlelight. “It’s strange. I thought I’d be afraid—of everything that’s happening. But I feel… at peace.” She paused, her hand pressing more firmly against her stomach as if to feel the pulse of life inside her. “Is it supposed to be like this?”

“Not everyone experiences it the same way,” Zach explained, his voice steady, though filled with reverence for the transformation unfolding before him. “But you… you’re different. You’ve always been connected to things others can’t feel or understand. It doesn’t surprise me that you’ve embraced this so naturally.”

Vera sat down on the bed, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “I never thought I’d feel this way about something so… domestic.” She let out a small laugh. “I’m used to being in battle, fighting for survival. Now, it feels like I’m fighting for something far more important.”

Zach knelt in front of her, taking both her hands into his. His expression was calm, controlled, yet filled with the depth of emotion that only Vera could draw out of him. “You’re fighting for our family. For a future beyond war and conflict. That’s the greatest battle of all.”

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of his words sinking in. The tension of the past month—the uncertainty, the fear—had all dissipated in the face of this new reality. Their child, their future, was growing stronger by the day, and so was Vera.

As Zach rested his forehead against her hands, he could feel the gentle rhythm of their child’s heartbeat, strong and insistent, like a steady drum. It was a reminder of the life they were building, a life that would soon enter the world.

“I can’t believe how fast it’s happening,” Vera murmured. “In just a few weeks, he’ll be here.”

Zach nodded. “Our kind are born ready. Stronger, quicker to grow. It’s in our blood.”

Vera smiled, though her eyes remained distant, thoughtful. “I wonder what kind of world we’ll bring him into. With everything that’s happening… with Max, with Glazilda.”

Zach’s face hardened slightly at the mention of Glazilda, but he kept his tone even. “Whatever comes, we’ll handle it. We’ve faced worse and come out stronger.”

Vera sighed, leaning into him. “I trust you. I trust us.”

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, holding her close. “Always.”

They stayed like that for a while, savoring the quiet, the peace that now seemed like a gift in the midst of everything they had endured. Zach knew the peace wouldn’t last forever—there were still challenges ahead, still battles to fight—but for now, in this moment, it was enough.

For Vera, it was more than enough.

———-

The morning sun streamed through the castle windows, casting golden light across the room where Vera lay, her pregnancy now noticeable with a gentle bump that spoke of life and hope. It had been a month since she awoke, and each day brought new strength, though uncertainty still lingered. Today, the air buzzed with anticipation; the high priestess was scheduled to visit, a rare occurrence that had the castle staff bustling with preparations.

“Vera, you should rest,” Zach said, concern etched on his face as he watched her move about the room, carefully arranging fresh flowers in a vase and straightening the linens.

“I’m fine,” Vera replied, a smile breaking through her earlier apprehension. “It’s important to make a good impression. The high priestess is coming to discuss the kingdom’s future, and I want her to see that I’m capable.”

Zach crossed his arms, still not convinced. “You’ve been through a lot, and you need to take care of yourself and our child. The council can handle things without you.”

“I appreciate your concern,” she said, her tone firm but gentle. “But I want to show her that I’m ready to embrace this role. This is not just about me; it’s about our family and the kingdom.”

Reluctantly, Zach nodded, knowing how determined she could be. He helped her set up, ensuring everything was in place for their esteemed visitor. Vera’s spirit brightened the room, the thought of the high priestess inspiring her to push through any lingering fatigue.

As the appointed hour approached, Vera made one last check in the mirror, smoothing her hands over her belly. “Ready or not,” she whispered to the child within, hoping for peace and acceptance from those who would judge them.

The door opened with a gentle creak, and a tall figure entered, adorned in flowing robes that shimmered in the light. The high priestess’s presence was commanding, her silver hair framing her face like a crown. “Greetings, Vera,” she said, her voice warm yet laced with authority.

“Thank you for coming, High Priestess,” Vera replied, bowing slightly, a gesture of respect and acknowledgment.

As they exchanged pleasantries, the high priestess’s gaze shifted to Vera’s belly, an expression of surprise flickering across her face. “You are with child,” she stated, her tone shifting to one of concern.

“Yes,” Vera affirmed, standing tall despite the surge of anxiety that washed over her. “Zach and I are expecting a family.”

The high priestess stepped closer, her brows furrowing as she placed a hand on Vera’s belly. “May I?”

Vera hesitated, but something in the priestess’s eyes urged her to comply. “Of course.”

As the high priestess focused her energy, a moment of stillness enveloped them. Then, a look of alarm crossed her features. “The child… I feel a strong presence. This is not ordinary.”

“What do you mean?” Zach interjected, stepping protectively closer to Vera.

The high priestess shook her head slowly, her voice grave. “I didn’t expect to sense such power. It feels… significant. I must warn you, Vera, that children born under special circumstances are often seen as harbingers of destiny, and not all destinies are benign.”

Vera’s heart raced as she absorbed the high priestess’s words. “What do you mean? What are you saying?”

The high priestess’s eyes narrowed, her expression serious. “The energy surrounding your child could be perceived as a threat to the throne. I fear the kingdom will not view this with the same affection you do.”

“No,” Vera whispered, panic rising in her chest. “This child is innocent!”

“Many in the kingdom believe in prophecies,” the high priestess continued, her voice firm. “And they can be interpreted in many ways. It’s essential that you are prepared for any backlash against your child’s existence.”

Zach’s protective instinct flared. “What would you have us do? Abandon our child because of fear and superstition?”

“I would not suggest that,” the high priestess replied, her tone softening. “But you must understand that the world outside these walls may not be as welcoming as you hope. There are those who may see the child as a threat, and that is something you must confront.”

Vera looked at Zach, uncertainty clouding her gaze. “What if they turn against us? What if they want to harm our baby?”

“We will face this together,” Zach vowed, his voice resolute. “We will protect our child and our family. We will not let fear dictate our choices.”

As the tension hung thick in the air, Vera placed her hand over her belly once more, feeling the life within her. “I will not be afraid,” she declared, her voice gaining strength. “This child is a blessing, not a curse. I will fight for him.”

The high priestess regarded her with a mix of respect and concern. “Then prepare yourself, Vera. The path ahead may be fraught with challenges, but your determination is admirable. We will need to tread carefully as the future unfolds.”

As the high priestess stepped back, the atmosphere in the room shifted, the weight of their conversation lingering like a storm cloud. Though uncertainty loomed, Vera felt a flicker of resolve ignite within her. No matter what trials awaited them, she would protect her family, embracing the power that came with bringing new life into the world.