At Last

Elysia gasped, her entire body going slack as relief and exhaustion crashed over her. She could finally breathe, her chest rising and falling heavily. Tears streamed down her face, unbidden and unstoppable.

The physician quickly checked the baby, ensuring everything was well, while the midwives worked efficiently to clean and wrap the child in a soft cloth.

"Congratulations, Your Majesties," the physician announced with a proud smile. "It is a boy."

The midwife gently placed the crying infant on Elysia's chest. The moment she felt his tiny warmth against her, she instinctively wrapped her trembling arms around him, cradling him close.

"Azrael!" she gasped, her voice thick with raw emotion. "Our son—we have a child now."

Azrael could only stare, his eyes wide with wonder as he looked at the small, wriggling bundle in Elysia's arms. His throat tightened, and for the first time in a long time, he found himself at a loss for words.