Epilogue Part 2: A Future Begins – Silvia’s Pregnancy

Epilogue Part 2: A Future Begins – Silvia's Pregnancy

A Season of Change

Months had passed since the grand wedding that united two worlds. The city, once divided by war and fear, was now a beacon of peace. But within the palace, another change was unfolding, one far more personal and life-altering for Silvia and Dragon.

Silvia stood by the balcony of their chamber, gazing over the city-state she now ruled. The night breeze was cool, and yet she felt warmer than ever, as if something within her radiated a quiet, uncontainable energy. She rested a protective hand over her abdomen, her heart fluttering with anticipation.

She was with child.

Two, in fact.

The healer had confirmed it only days prior—twins. It was a miracle and a burden, an incredible twist of fate. As a mage, she had never expected to bear a child so soon, especially given Dragon's underground lineage. But now, as the life within her stirred with growing power, she realized that nothing about her life had ever been conventional.

Dragon, of course, had taken the news with equal parts elation and obsession. He had already begun restructuring their entire home, ensuring every corridor and room was secure for the safety of their unborn children. He refused to let her lift a finger, much less practice any magic or combat training.

At first, Silvia had found it amusing. Now, she found it infuriating.

Dragon's Overprotective Nature

"Dragon," Silvia said, exasperated as she watched him reorganize the palace guards' shift rotations again, "I am not made of glass. You need to stop treating me like I'm about to shatter."

Dragon turned to her, his golden eyes narrowed with fierce protectiveness. "You're carrying our children. You are no longer just Silvia Earthstar, you are the mother of the future."

She groaned. "And what does that mean? That I have to sit around all day while you hover over me like a worried hawk?"

Dragon smirked. "A very handsome and capable hawk."

Silvia rolled her eyes, but before she could argue further, Dragon suddenly lifted her into his arms with ease. She gasped, smacking his chest. "Dragon! Put me down!"

He grinned, carrying her across the room as if she weighed nothing. "No. You are going to rest. No arguments."

Silvia pouted, crossing her arms. "You do realize I've been fighting my whole life, right? That I'm still capable of using magic?"

Dragon pressed a slow, heated kiss against her throat, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. "And yet, you are still mine to protect."

Silvia shivered as warmth bloomed across her skin. He always knew how to undo her resolve with just a few words and a well-placed touch.

Damn him.

Preparations for Parenthood

Despite Silvia's protests, Dragon had gone above and beyond to ensure everything was ready for their children's arrival. The palace nursery was unlike anything she had ever seen—a perfect blend of underground craftsmanship and human design. Softly glowing crystals lined the walls, casting a gentle light over the space. The furniture, hand-carved from enchanted wood, hummed with protective wards woven into every inch of it.

Silvia ran her fingers over the intricately carved crib, feeling the magic pulse beneath her touch. "You didn't have to go this far," she murmured, though a small smile tugged at her lips.

Dragon crossed his arms, watching her. "I will do anything to keep them safe. To keep you safe."

Silvia turned, stepping toward him. "We will keep them safe. Together."

He exhaled, pulling her close. "I know. But I can't help but be afraid."

She rested her forehead against his. "So am I. But they'll be strong. Like us."

A Night Under the Stars

Despite his constant hovering, Dragon had been more affectionate than ever, and that night, he insisted they escape the palace for a few hours.

Under the cloak of darkness, he took her beyond the city walls, carrying her to the cliffs overlooking the vast plains. A large blanket was laid out, the night sky stretching endlessly above them. It was a rare moment of solitude, away from the duties of leadership, away from the prying eyes of their people.

Dragon leaned back, one arm wrapped securely around her. His other hand rested over her stomach, his fingers tracing idle patterns. "I can already feel them," he murmured. "They are strong, like their mother."

Silvia chuckled. "I hope they inherit your patience, though. Otherwise, we're doomed."

Dragon laughed, the deep rumble of his voice vibrating against her skin. "If they are anything like you, they will be relentless and impossible to control. I will have my hands full."

She turned her head toward him, watching as the starlight reflected in his golden eyes. "Are you scared?"

Dragon was quiet for a moment, then he exhaled. "Not of them. But of the world they will be born into. Peace is fragile. And I would burn down the heavens themselves before letting harm come to them—or to you."

Silvia reached up, cupping his cheek. "We will protect them. Together."

He leaned down, capturing her lips in a slow, deep kiss that sent warmth pooling in her stomach. There, beneath the stars, wrapped in Dragon's embrace, she knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them side by side.

A Quiet Moment Before Everything Changes

Weeks later, Silvia awoke to the sensation of something shifting inside her. A spark of energy, small but undeniable, flickered through her core. She gasped, placing her hand over her stomach.

Dragon, ever the light sleeper, immediately stirred. "What is it?"

Silvia smiled, wonder in her eyes. "They moved."

A rare, vulnerable expression crossed Dragon's face as he reached out, hesitating for only a moment before pressing his hand over hers. The warmth of their unborn children's presence pulsed beneath their fingers, a tangible reminder of the future they were building.

Silvia looked up at him. "They're real, Dragon. We're going to be parents."

He swallowed hard, his usually unshakable confidence giving way to raw emotion. "And I will love them with everything I have. Just as I love you."

Silvia curled into his embrace, letting the quiet moment settle around them. The weight of their past battles, their struggles, all seemed distant compared to the life growing within her.

For the first time in what felt like forever, she was truly at peace.