It was a sound that captivated silence, and everything went still. I forgot to breathe for a moment, and a strong feeling seized my chest in a tight hold.
I glanced at Eloise, who had her gaze fixed on me already, her face drenched in sweat, her breath heavy and slow. Despite her distress, she smiled at me. Words were not said, but her eyes spoke volumes, and I could read it.
Our son is here. After waiting so long, he was here. Lucard was here.
I pressed a prolonged kiss on her forehead. "You did so well, my love. You were wonderful."
"Monarch," Valestra seized my attention, holding our son covered in blood, tiny hands and legs wiggling.
Hestiant, I rose to my feet when she handed me Lucard.
He was so small in my hand that it felt like a giant held him; he moved too much, and I was afraid he might fall off.
Holding such a delicate life in my hand unleashed a protective instinct I didn't know I had in me. So I brought him close, not minding the blood.
